Date : 20/09/2023

Relevance: GS Paper 2 - International Relations

Keywords: South China Sea, Exclusive economic zones (EEZs), ASEAN, United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), Act East Policy

Context-

• In early September 2023, China unveiled an updated map that included a ten-dash line in the South China Sea (SCS), replacing the previous nine-dash line, causing outrage among neighboring countries. This move was seen as an attempt to assert Beijing's sovereignty over parts of their exclusive economic zones (EEZs).
• India, while not having territorial claims in the SCS, is closely monitoring this development and its implications, especially in the context of the ongoing border standoff with China in Ladakh. Here we look into China's SCS strategy, its implications for India, the U.S.-China conflict in the region, contested airspace concerns, ASEAN's role, and India's evolving stance in the SCS.

China's Territorial Claims:

• China's territorial claims in the South China Sea are based on its historical perspective, which includes the nine-dash line (now ten-dash line) encompassing over 90% of the sea area.
• These claims have been widely disputed by neighboring countries and are not recognized under international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Despite the 2016 ruling by an arbitral tribunal that declared China's claims invalid, Beijing has continued to assert its sovereignty in the region.

Military Expansion and Assertiveness:

• China's militarization of artificial islands in the South China Sea has raised significant tensions. Beijing has built military infrastructure on these islands, including airstrips, radar facilities, and missile systems, which can be used for surveillance and defense purposes.
• The presence of the Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels has led to confrontations with the coast guards and navies of other claimant states. These assertive actions by China have created a volatile environment in the region.

U.S.-China Conflict in the South China Sea

• The strained relationship between China and the United States exacerbates disputes over maritime territories in the SCS. While the U.S. is not a party to these territorial disputes, it supports Southeast Asian states, many of which are U.S. allies.
• Washington opposes China's claims over offshore resources and its coercive tactics, leading to an increased U.S. naval presence in the SCS. China views this presence as an unwelcome intervention, alleging that U.S. freedom of navigation patrols violate its sovereignty.

Contested Airspace in the South China Sea

• Apart from territorial disputes, the contest for regional airspace is a concerning dimension. Unlike land and sea territory, airspace claims remain ambiguous. While China resists foreign military aircraft in the Western Pacific, it refrains from establishing an Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) in the SCS, likely due to the challenges of enforcing such zones in busy airspaces.
• However, China engages in aggressive behavior, including shadowing and harassing foreign military aircraft over Taiwan and the SCS.

ASEAN's Role and Contradictions

• Inconsistencies within ASEAN member states' positions on China's maritime aggression and militarization of island features have complicated the situation. Some countries vigorously oppose China's actions, while others appear more supportive of Beijing. China's economic and political influence in Southeast Asia further muddles ASEAN's stance.
• Despite negotiations for a code of conduct, opposition within ASEAN to China's SCS posturing remains muted, as member states navigate between confronting and cooperating with China.

Involvement of the Quad

• While the SCS conflict may not directly involve the Quad (comprising India, Japan, Australia, and the U.S.), the member countries acknowledge its importance for trade and regional stability. Japan, Australia, and India have trade interests in the region and are concerned about Chinese control over critical shipping lanes and Taiwan's security. Australia supports U.S. maritime operations in the region.

India's Stakes in the South China Sea

• India, too, recognizes the significance of the SCS for trade and connectivity, with over 55 percent of its trade passing through the area. While India's primary focus remains the Indian Ocean, it acknowledges the growing importance of the Western Pacific.
• New Delhi seeks to contain China's rise in the Indian Ocean, understanding that Chinese dominance in the SCS could lead to greater People's Liberation Army Navy presence in the Bay of Bengal.
• India has strengthened ties with Southeast Asian nations, conducted joint exercises, and urged China to abide by the 2016 arbitral ruling, demonstrating its interest in influencing Pacific geopolitics.

India's Approach:

• Despite growing engagement in the South China Sea, India maintains a cautious military posture in the region. This approach prioritizes safeguarding its strategic interests in the Indian Ocean while avoiding direct confrontations with China. India seeks to balance its interests in the South China Sea with its broader regional and global priorities.
• However, China’s growing ability to decide and expand its role in the South China Sea has forced India to reconsider its position.
• As part of the Act East Policy, India has begun internationalizing disputes in the Indo-Pacific region in order to counter China’s threatening tactics in the South China Sea.
• Furthermore, India is leveraging its Buddhist heritage to forge strong ties with the Southeast Asian region.
• India has also deployed its navy in the South China Sea with Vietnam to protect sea lanes of communication (SLOC), denying China any room for assertion. In addition, India is a member of the Quad initiative (India, the United States, Japan, and Australia) and the lynchpin of the Indo-Pacific narrative. China sees these initiatives as a containment strategy.

Support for ASEAN:

• India aims to be a responsible stakeholder in the region by supporting ASEAN states in their efforts to push back against China's assertiveness. This includes providing diplomatic support, joint exercises, and cooperation on regional security issues. India's involvement in the South China Sea aligns with its "Security and Growth for All in the Region" (SAGAR) doctrine and the "Act East" policy, demonstrating its commitment to maintaining regional stability.

Conclusion

As the South China Sea continues to be a theater of strategic importance, China's assertive actions and territorial claims raise concerns for regional stability. India, though cautious, recognizes the importance of the SCS and is engaging more actively in the region to protect its interests. The evolving dynamics in the SCS have broader implications for Asia's power balance, regional cooperation, and the role of external actors like the Quad. It is imperative for nations involved to navigate this complex issue prudently, maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Source - The Indian Express