What’s behind the South China Sea dispute? | Start Here
Al Jazeera English・2 minutes read
China's ambitions for naval dominance in the South China Sea, driven by economic interests, face opposition from neighboring countries and the US. Tensions rise as China asserts its territorial claims through military bases, challenging international law and sparking concerns of military conflicts in the region.
Insights
- China's pursuit of naval dominance in the South China Sea is driven by its need to secure vital resources for its economy, challenging the historical land-based power dynamics of the region and sparking opposition from neighboring countries and the US.
- The strategic importance of the South China Sea, symbolized by China's "nine-dash line" claim, is evident in the vast trade volume passing through the area annually, valued at $3 trillion. Tensions rise as China builds military bases on disputed islands, leading to legal disputes and efforts by ASEAN countries to establish a Code of Conduct to manage conflicts.
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Recent questions
Why is the South China Sea important?
Resources, trade routes, and strategic control.
What is China's goal in the South China Sea?
Naval dominance and resource security.
How does China assert its claim in the South China Sea?
Through military bases and territorial disputes.
What efforts have been made to manage tensions in the South China Sea?
Establishment of a Code of Conduct by ASEAN countries.
How does the US challenge China's claims in the South China Sea?
Through naval exercises and legal disputes.
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