Past, Present and Future of Geopolitics in the South China Sea

Abstract

In a globalized world where 90% of trade is carried out by sea, coastal states are aware of the importance and economic value that the exploitation of maritime resources has on a country’s GDP. Tensions to acquire exclusive exploitation rights in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and Continental Shelf generate continuous disagreements. The South China Sea, is one of the most open maritime uptight spaces in the world, where tensions continue to increase due to the richness of the seabed and the enormous density of maritime traffic that navigates through these waters. The economic importance of these routes and the existing natural resources have made the South China Sea basin one of the most tense geopolitical scenarios these days. The clashes between countries reach the point of colliding in the name of this geographical area. The People’s Republic of China calls it the South Sea, Vietnam the East Sea and the Philippines the West Philippine Sea. These etymological differences reflect the different legal claims that each country faces. This space is a maritime border that marks sovereignty, guarantees transit through its waters and grants the right to exploit underground resources. This study tries to illustrate the geopolitical tensions in the area, analysing the actors involved, the evolution of litigation and the possible consequences that the latest movements in China will have in the near future.