The Scarborough Shoal dispute is a South China Sea conflict between the Philippines and China over sovereignty and maritime presence. Despite a 2016 ruling invalidating China's claims, Beijing's rejection has left the dispute unresolved. The ongoing conflict threatens regional stability and tests international law's foundation.
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Picture Courtesy: REUTERS
China approved the creation of a national nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal in the disputed region of South China Sea (SCS).
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Read all about: South China Sea Dispute l East and South China Sea Dispute |
Location
A triangular coral atoll in the SCS, 124 nautical miles west of the Philippines and 472 nautical miles from China's Hainan Island, within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) under United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Significance
Rich in marine biodiversity, fisheries (12% of global catches), and potential oil/gas reserves (11 billion barrels oil, 190 trillion cubic feet gas).
Dispute
Claimed by China (since 2012 control), Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam. China seized it after a 2012 standoff with Manila.
The 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruling invalidated China's claims, declaring it as a traditional fishing ground for multiple nations, but Beijing rejected it.
Geography: Arm of the western Pacific Ocean. Connected to the East China Sea via Taiwan Strait and Philippine Sea via Luzon Strait. Features Paracel Islands, Spratly Islands, and Scarborough Shoal.
Bordering States: China, Taiwan, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia.
Paracel Islands: Claimed by China, Taiwan, Vietnam; China occupies since 1974.
Spratly Islands: Claimed by China, Taiwan, Vietnam (full), Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei (partial).
Scarborough Shoal: Claimed by China, Taiwan, Philippines; China controls since 2012.
China's "nine-dash line" (1947 map, submitted to UN in 2009) claims 90% of SCS, overlapping EEZs of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam.
Supports freedom of navigation for global commons; opposes unilateral actions threatening stability.
Advocates rules-based order, UNCLOS compliance; views SCS as "inclusive" maritime domain.
No direct claims but stakes in trade, energy exploration (e.g., ONGC Videsh in Vietnam’s EEZ).
Strategic Actions:
Expanded Presence
Border Linkage: Use SCS to offset China’s advantages in Sino-Indian border (post-Galwan).
US Assistance: Deeper Quad cooperation; US "pull factor" for maritime awareness; counters China without full alignment.
Limits: No SCS military bases/allies like US; prioritizes Indian Ocean dominance; non-aligned posture avoids provocation.
Source: REUTERS
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. The South China Sea dispute is a test case for the efficacy of international law and institutions. Critically analyze. 150 words |
The dispute revolves around competing territorial and maritime claims by several countries over islands, reefs, and waters in the South China Sea, which is rich in resources and strategically vital for trade.
China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan are the main claimants. The U.S. and other external powers are involved indirectly due to strategic interests.
India does not claim territory but supports freedom of navigation, respect for UNCLOS, and peaceful settlement. India also cooperates with Vietnam and Philippines in oil exploration and naval exercises.
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