Q.16 South-China sea has assumed great political significance in the present context. Comment.(CSE Mains 2016)GS-I 2016

Q.16 South-China sea has assumed great political significance in the present context. Comment.(CSE Mains 2016)GS-I 2016

The economic and military ascendance of China has caused ripples across the globe. Increased Chinese assertiveness has impacted geopolitics and the power relations.

South China Sea has been of particular concern because of its vast natural resources and strategic significance. Overlapping territorial claims made on parcel,sparty and shoal Islands by China with its neighbours has further aggravated tensions. China's Maritime neighbours have accused it off expansionist policy. China with its nine dash line has laid claims far exceeding the norms laid down by the United Nations convention on law of sea(UNCLOS).

Strait of malacca is considered as geostrategic choke point with significant amount of global trade (especially oil) while passing through it. Any disturbance in this region would significantly impact Chinese economy.

China's Maritime Silk Road (part of the belt and Road initiative) is perceived as an extension of a string of pearls theory. Mammoth infrastructure project setup to develop sports is being perceived as an attempt to expand Chinese naval capabilities. The Chinese investment has been criticized as a debt trap.

China last year announced that Air Defence Identification Zone(ADIZ) in south China sea which Japan and United States ignored.

The rise of China has significantly altered the balance of power equations.  United States earlier with it's “Pivot to Asia” policy and more recently with its now faltered ‘Trans Pacific partnership’ has attempted to contain China. It has used India as a swing state to balance China. India US and Japan recently conducted joint Naval exercise Malabar in this region. Australia has been keen to join it.

An arbitration under UNCLOS last year went against China, which though a signatory to the Treaty has neglected the verdict. The protectionist attitude of US, and the increasing economic and military clout of China, has created strains in the Global Security architecture. Though China has repeatedly proclaimed it's a sentence as a peaceful rise, strategist are keeping a close watch on Chinese activities. South China Sea is expected to host lot of muscle flexing and power display.

All these factors have increased the geo-political significance of South China Sea.