Charles Esther
Tensions in the South China Sea continue to rise, with the latest conflict involving China and the Philippines escalating over disputed islands and reefs.
The South China Sea is a critical region for global trade, with up to $5 trillion worth of goods passing through it annually.
China’s efforts to expand its territorial claims by building artificial islands have raised concerns, not only for the countries directly involved, but also for the international community.
China’s Artificial Islands and Expansion
Over the past decade, China has undertaken an ambitious project to build artificial islands on underwater reefs in the Paracel and Spratly Islands.
Satellite images show a massive transformation, with reefs that were once submerged now supporting large, militarized islands.
This expansion has brought China into direct conflict with other claimants, including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Taiwan.
These artificial islands, which China claims as part of its sovereign territory, have sparked international criticism.
According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), China’s claims are considered unlawful.
Nevertheless, China has continued to develop and militarize these artificial islands, raising the stakes in this ongoing territorial dispute.
The Paracel and Spratly Islands: Strategic Importance
The Paracel and Spratly Islands are located in the South China Sea and have long been disputed between China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, and the Philippines.
These islands are strategically important due to their proximity to major shipping lanes, potential underwater oil and gas resources, and fishing grounds.
China’s militarization of these islands, including building airstrips and deploying missile systems, has further complicated the situation.
One of the most prominent sites of tension is Mischief Reef, located in the Spratlys.
This artificial island, spanning 1,380 acres, has been transformed into a military base with fighter jets, missile systems, and naval ships.
Despite a 2016 ruling by a UN tribunal stating that no country has territorial claims over the reef, China continues to assert its sovereignty and has invested heavily in its development.
Growing Conflict Over Disputed Areas
Recent incidents in the South China Sea have further heightened tensions.
In one case, Chinese vessels in the region threatened to collide with Philippine ships near Scarborough Shoal, while a Chinese Navy helicopter flew dangerously close to a Philippine patrol plane.
Both actions highlight the risks of escalating conflicts in these disputed waters.
Another point of contention is Sandy Cay, a series of sandbars in the Spratlys.
While not underwater reefs, these islands remain above water at high tide, which grants them legal status under UNCLOS.
Both China and the Philippines claim sovereignty over Sandy Cay, but neither has been granted legal ownership.
Recently, a photo op was staged by both countries’ coast guards, with each raising their national flags on the island in a symbolic gesture of sovereignty.
U.S. Involvement and the Risk of Escalation
As tensions grow, the United States could be drawn into the conflict.
The U.S. has a mutual defense treaty with the Philippines, which obligates the U.S. to assist if the Philippines comes under attack.
While the situation has not yet escalated to a level where U.S. intervention is necessary, experts warn that the risks of conflict are increasing.
Greg Poling, director of the Southeast Asia Program at the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, noted that China’s strategy involves exerting continuous pressure on other claimants in the region.
“China just believes it can outlast the other claimants,” Poling said, “and if it keeps up this persistent cycle of pressure, eventually they’ll all crack.”
Other Claimants and Their Responses
While China’s artificial island-building efforts have dominated the headlines, other countries in the region are also making moves.
Vietnam, for instance, has developed parts of the Barque Canada Reef and Discovery Great Reef in the Spratlys.
However, these developments are much smaller in scale compared to China’s efforts on Mischief, Subi, and Fiery Cross Reefs.
The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia have largely held firm in their claims, despite the pressure from China.
While Vietnam’s artificial island developments are more modest, they represent a growing trend in the region where countries are strengthening their control over disputed territories.
Conclusion: The Future of the South China Sea Dispute
The South China Sea remains a volatile region, where territorial claims, military presence, and international law intersect.
With China’s continued expansion and the involvement of other nations like the Philippines, Vietnam, and the U.S., the situation is unlikely to resolve quickly.
The ongoing conflict over the Paracel and Spratly Islands is a reminder of the high stakes involved in this geopolitical struggle, with the potential for further escalation if tensions continue to rise.
