Understanding the South China Sea Conflict

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Need to Know Questions:

Why is it worth arguing over? Similar to the Sea of Okhotsk in the Soviet Union the South China Sea is required as a buffer defense against land destruction of China and provides them with a space which they can test nuclear submarines and maintain nuclear capabilities. Also many of the areas of the sea are resource rich and valuable to control.
Who is the current authority over nautical land claims?
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
Who claims what as their territory?

China has laid claim to an absurd amount of territory that is inconceivable within the current legal systems and are essentially bullying these smaller nations.
What do other countries feel about the conflict?
The US does not …show more content…

Have stronger international treaty organization that have the ability to not only open discussion but have a serious impact if agreements/demands are not followed.
Is the US or China more at fault for causing tension? China is pushing an imperialistic agenda but the US is against them for self fulfilling interests. Instead of some belief in the rule of law and international treaties the US only wishes to maintain its control of the region. The smaller nations surrounding the Sea are stuck in the middle of two giants over who gets to guide their actions.
How soon might China take the step and declare an ADIZ in the South China Sea?
Reports from the government suggest at the latest by the end of 2015.
Have there been any military plans created against the Chinese?
Currently the countries have primarily acted with threats of violence and discontent but militaristic action is on the horizon of the Chinese continue to push their interests.

Timeline of Events

220~ BC: China discovers the Spratly Islands and sets up …show more content…

May 2000: Agreement reached between China and the Philippines to create a regional Code of Conduct in the South China Sea

December 2000: Agreements signed between China and Vietnam to resolve the disputes in the Gulf of Tonkin

November 2002: China and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) adopted the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties on the South China Sea; region hopeful for long-term stability

May 2003: Vietnam issued a "sovereignty" declaration on the Chinese ban on fishing in the South China Sea

July 2011: Preliminary guidelines to resolve the issue set by China, Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines

October 2011: China and Vietnam agreed to seek for a peaceful resolution in regards of the dispute through direct communication between the two countries

November 2011: The USA and ASEAN countries aligned to effectively pressure China on their claims to hold "indisputable sovereignty" over the South China Seas

April 2012: Standoff between Chinese and Philippine vessels; start of escalating tensions

December 2013: China claimed the others had ulterior motives in their complaints towards its regulation in the disputed region; USA expressed its determination to protect its allies in East

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