The superpowers on the planet are in the race to show their dominance over their continent. China is at the top of the list. China has made its dominance over the Asian nations. Specially the small island nations. There are several issues between China and other nations ranging from territorial disputes to water issues. These days, South China Sea issue has recently raised which gave stoke to the China.
What was the ruling about?
The Permanent Court of Arbitration, Hague described it illegal to acquire the area of South China Sea by China. The ruling was in the favor of Philippines, which won the arbitration.  The final decision gave Philippines the authority of the west Philippines Sea in South China Sea, judging China’s nine dash line as illegal.
What was the case?
Well, the reason why Philippines filed the case against China is the island construction in the disputed sea, interfering with petroleum exploration of Philippines and Chinese fishing activities in disputed sea. The case was filed in 2013 by Philippines in United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines and Taiwan were against China in this case. The dispute took pace when China constructed artificial island in that disputed area.
Why South China Sea is crucial?
The South China Sea is a crucial part because of its busy trading routes and as per the estimates, about $5 trillion trade ships travels by this area per year. The area is known for its oil resources as well as a large coastline for trade. China claims about more than 80% of this sea.
Claims over the Sea
China claimed over the sea by saying that the islands belong to it from last 2000 years. While Vietnam rejected the claims and responded by justifying its authority over the island with the help of written records. The commenting lasted for a long time and simultaneously China built artificial islands and deported its artillery weapons on them.
Current response of China
China has indicated towards increasing its military power and also forwarded its hand toward Philippines to handle the situation calmly. China’s military exercise in the area in last two weak shows its firm stand on his grounds. China responded by saying that the UN’s Convention on the Law of the Sea’s rulings will not be followed or accepted, despite being a signatory of UNCLOS, along with Philippines.
Effect over India
The ruling led India in a mid-stream. India is already facing several issues with China and another issue is added in the list. Vietnam has come into a deal with India in which Vietnam has offered 7 oil blocks to India in the South China Sea, which can become a bone between two hunters. India already has issues of border intrusions, Karakorum pass issue, the string of pearls, LAC demarcation issues etc. with China.
Conclusion
China’s diplomatic relation with other super powers and South and East Asian nations are going a bit sour. Several disputes have been reported between China and other nations. India’s membership was obstructed by China for its induction in NSG. The stubborn nature of China has been criticized by many nations. Still, many issues are pending and to be solved with China.
Read More
- China: New Cause of Tensions
- Are India And China Friends Or Foes?
- No Oil Hunt In South China Sea : China Warns India
