¿Por qué luchan 6 países por el Mar de China Meridional?

The South China Sea Conflict: Origins and Evolution

Introduction to the Conflict

• In late 2013, a significant Chinese fleet began operations in the Bradley Islands, leading to the construction of seven artificial islets equipped with military bases, ports, and airports.

• The South China Sea has historically served as a crucial trade route for vessels connecting China to the Indian Ocean via the Strait of Malacca.

Historical Context

• The region is characterized by numerous dangerous islets and reefs that complicate navigation; fishermen have traditionally fished in these waters despite challenges.

• The islands are small (no more than 3 square km), making permanent settlement difficult due to limited resources like fresh water and arable land.

Early Claims and Colonial Influence

• In the early 20th century, China extracted guano from these islands while Japan claimed parts of the Spratly Islands after taking control of Taiwan in 1895.

• France officially claimed sovereignty over both archipelagos in the 1930s, establishing a meteorological station on Patel Island amid conflicts between China and Japan.

World War II Impact

• During WWII, Japan occupied much of the South China Sea but lost its claims post-war when Allied forces regained control.

• After WWII, various nations including the Philippines asserted claims over the Bradley Islands as colonial powers faced independence movements.

Post-War Developments

• Following China's civil war in 1949, both Taiwan and mainland China published maps claiming overlapping territories in the South China Sea.

• Vietnam's division led to increased military presence from both North Vietnam (which recognized Chinese claims) and South Vietnam (which sent troops).

Resource Discovery and Rising Tensions

• Reports in the late 1960s indicated rich gas and oil reserves beneath seabeds around these islands, prompting renewed interest from surrounding nations.

• A fragile peace was established post-Vietnam War; however, tensions escalated as countries sought control over valuable maritime resources.

International Law Developments

• In 1982, a UN Convention on Maritime Law aimed to establish boundaries for exclusive economic zones; this allowed states to claim areas up to 200 nautical miles offshore.

• The Philippines was first to ratify this convention which included parts of Bradley Islands within its economic zone.

Escalation of Military Presence

• By participating in international discussions about oceanic observation stations in Paris (1987), China's naval power grew significantly.

South China Sea Territorial Disputes

Historical Context and Legal Framework

• The Philippines' territorial waters law intensifies the South China Sea issue, particularly regarding its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) established in 1994 after 60 ratifications.

• The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) comes into force, allowing Brunei to claim territory; China ratifies UNCLOS in 1996 but continues to assert claims based on its nine-dashed line map.

• China's military presence increases as it pressures competitors, notably by entering Masinloc Shoal and using water cannons against Philippine fishermen, prompting Manila to seek arbitration.

Escalation of Tensions

• China expands its territorial claims by adding a tenth line to its map and constructing artificial islands in the Spratly archipelago, raising concerns over military bases and airports.

• Vietnam reacts strongly against China's oil platform placement between Paracel Islands and Vietnam, leading to anti-Chinese riots that force China to abandon its project.

International Responses

• In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration rules against China's historical claims in favor of international law; however, both China and Taiwan reject this ruling despite Taiwan's lack of UNCLOS ratification.

• With around 30% of global maritime trade passing through the South China Sea, tensions remain high as countries bolster their military presence on controlled islands.

Current Diplomatic Stances

• Taiwan advocates for diplomacy while claiming sovereignty over the entire sea. Vietnam continues asserting historical claims over two archipelagos known as the East Sea.