Warships in Disputed South China Sea
Context : U.S. Briefly Deploys Two Warships to Disputed South China Sea after Chinese Ships Collide
Background
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Location: Scarborough Shoal, South China Sea – contested area claimed by China and the Philippines; also claimed in parts by Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan.
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Strategic Significance: Rich fishing grounds; located in busy international shipping lanes.
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Geopolitical Context:
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South China Sea disputes involve overlapping territorial and maritime claims.
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U.S. conducts regular Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs) to challenge China’s maritime claims.
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China demands prior notification for entry into areas it claims; opposed by the U.S. and allies.
Scarborough Shoal – South China Sea Dispute
Location
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Eastern part of the South China Sea.
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Rich in marine resources, possible oil & gas reserves.
Sovereignty Dispute
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Claimed by China (Huangyan Island) and the Philippines.
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Under effective Chinese control since 2012 through coast guard presence.
Strategic Importance
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Rich fishing grounds.
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Potential subsea energy resources.
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Lies along major global trade routes.
International Law
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2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruling: China’s claim has no legal basis under UNCLOS.
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China rejected the ruling.
Nine-Dash Line
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China’s claim based on the controversial “nine-dash line” on maps, covering most of the South China Sea.
Regional & Global Impact
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Dispute fuels regional instability and great power rivalry.
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Impacts livelihoods of fishermen from both nations.
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Raises need for peaceful, rules-based maritime dispute resolution.