The Spratly Islands is an archipelago that is located in the South China Sea, and some islands are currently contested by six counties. It is paramount to say that the area is incredibly important because it provides populations in this region with resources and is critical from the geopolitical point of view (see map. 1).
It is necessary to note that currently, Vietnam is in control of 48 features, and China controls only eight (Austin par. 1). The conflict is getting more intense with every single year, and each party tries to provide enough pieces of evidence that that the territory should belong to them. It needs to be said that China has no rights to claim the area according to the United Nations Convention on Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS) because some land masses are tidal islands. The dispute is so significant because participants are ready to take military actions. The territory is so important for China because the country will be able to take control of a vital trade route, and it has shown the most interest in the Spratly Islands. It may also be used to monitor shipments to other regions, and it is an advantage in case military conflict occurs.
There is also an incredibly high possibility that an enormous amount of oil reserves are contained in the floor of the area, and this is one of the leading causes of the conflict. It is necessary to address the fact that an incredible amount of resources will be needed to explore this area, and regional relationships are at risk (Brantly 371). Complete control of The Spratly Islands will make China much more independent, and energy security is another significant aspect that should not be disregarded. Vietnam suggests that China was not interested in the territory prior to 1940 and has no right to claim it (“Q&A: South China Sea Dispute” par. 9). The fact that the country has controlled the archipelago and has the necessary documentation is quite important. The Philippines also participates quite actively, and its government argues that geographical proximity is a major factor that should be taken into account.
Some islands are also claimed by other nearby countries, and all participants of the conflict have their reasons. Also, it is paramount to note that some actions of China in this region were unreasonable, and international intervention may be necessary in this particular case. Construction projects are especially controversial and have led to tremendous tension in the area. The fact that the international tribunal has agreed to review this case is essential because it is evident that the behavior of China in the region is not acceptable (Sevastopulo par. 1). The United States is one of the countries that understand that it is imperative to address this issue to prevent any possible severe consequences.
In conclusion, there is no doubt that China shows the most aggression in this conflict because it views this as a significant opportunity for development. The dispute is long-standing, and it will be hard to address all of the current problems because it is complicated by numerous factors. However, this disagreement has drawn increased attention of the international community over the last few years, and it is entirely possible that it may be resolved in a peaceful manner.
Works Cited
Austin, Greg. “Who Is the Biggest Aggressor in the South China Sea?”The Diplomat. The Diplomat, 2015. Web.
Sevastopulo, Demetri. “China Loses Round One in Philippines Dispute Over Islands.” Financial Times. Financial Times, 2015. Web.
“Q&A: South China Sea Dispute.”. BBC, n.d. Web.
Womack, Brantly. “The Spratlys: From Dangerous Ground to Apple of Discord.” Contemporary Southeast Asia: A Journal of International and Strategic Affairs 33.3 (2011): 370-387. Print.