Explained: How every dispute in the South China Sea fits into Beijing's hegemonic ambitions

On 17 June, Chinese Coast Guard boats intercepted a resupply airdrop destined for Philippine Marines stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre, a grounded World War II-era vessel maintained as an outpost by the Philippines since 1999. The Chinese vessels came within five meters of the Philippine outpost, seizing and discarding the airdropped supplies, which included food and medicine.

Chinese personnel were armed with knives and axes. They reportedly used these weapons to tear open the packages, throwing the contents into the sea in an attempt to prevent the resupply. The Philippines has condemned these actions as aggressive and unprovoked interference.

Although the level of aggression this time around shook the region, this belligerence in the South China Sea is nothing new. After all, China has a dispute with every single country in this geopolitically volatile area. These territorial contestations betray the thinly-veiled hegemonic ambitions that the Asian giant has in the region.

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We explain each major dispute and how they collectively fuel Beijing’s quest for dominance.

The nine dash line: Blueprint of Chinese ambition

China’s claims in the SCS are primarily encapsulated in the nine dash line, a demarcation first introduced on Chinese maps in early 1950s. This line extends over 2,000 kilometers from the Chinese mainland, encompassing almost the entire SCS, and overlaps with the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of several Southeast Asian countries.

Despite the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague rejecting the nine dash line, Beijing continues to assert its claims aggressively.

China-Philippines territorial disputes

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Scarborough Shoal: This small but strategically vital area has been a significant flashpoint between China and the Philippines. Control over the Scarborough Shoal, which Beijing annexed in 2012, provides a crucial vantage point for monitoring and potentially controlling maritime traffic in the region. The recent interception of the Philippine resupply airdrop shows China’s aggressive posture in asserting its claims.

Spratly Islands: The Spratly archipelago, composed of numerous small islands, reefs, and atolls, is another critical area of contention. These islands are strategically located near important shipping lanes and are believed to be rich in natural resources. By establishing a military presence on these islands, China can project power across the South China Sea and deter rival claimants from challenging its hegemony.

China-Vietnam territorial disputes

The Paracel and Spratly islands group is surrounded by rich fishing grounds – and potentially by gas and oil deposits. They are at the heart of China and Vietnam’s territorial disputes.

Paracel Islands: Located closer to Vietnam, the Paracel Islands have been under Chinese control since a brief military conflict in 1974. These islands are strategically important for their proximity to major sea routes and potential underwater resources. Control over the Paracels enables China to extend its military reach and secure its southern maritime borders.

Spratly Islands: Parts of the Spratly Islands are claimed by both China and Vietnam. Hanoi claims that its sovereignty over the islands “has been established since at least the 17th century in accordance with international law.” Beijing, on the other hand, has said that it was the first to iscover, name, develop and manage these islands and archipelagos.

The ongoing militarisation of these islands by China, including the construction of runways and other military infrastructure, serves to strengthen Beijing’s strategic depth in the region. This militarisation is a clear indicator of China’s intention of power projection in the South China Sea.

China’s disputes with Malaysia and Brunei

Malaysia: China’s claims overlap with Malaysia’s EEZ, particularly around the Luconia Shoals, an area rich in natural gas and oil. By asserting control over these areas, China aims to secure vital energy resources and exert influence over Malaysia’s maritime activities. This control is crucial for Beijing’s long-term energy security and economic growth.

Brunei: Although Brunei’s territorial claims are smaller in comparison, they are equally significant due to their resource-rich EEZ. China’s claims in this area are part of a broader strategy to dominate the resource base of the SCS, ensuring that Beijing can leverage these assets for economic and strategic purposes.

China and Indonesia’s claims over Natuna Islands

China’s claims in the southern reaches of the SCS overlap with Indonesia’s EEZ around the Natuna Islands. This area is known for its substantial hydrocarbon reserves. By pressing its claims here, China seeks to expand its influence and secure additional energy resources, which are critical for sustaining its economic growth and military modernisation.

Taiwan: A critical node in the South China Sea

While Taiwan is not a formal claimant in the disputes in the region, its status is inherently linked to Beijing’s ambitions. China views Taiwan as a breakaway province that must be reunified with the mainland, by force if necessary. Control over the South China Sea, particularly the areas around Taiwan, would provide China with a significant strategic advantage, enhancing its ability to project power and potentially isolate Taiwan from international support.

Against China’s hegemonic ambitions

China’s actions in the South China Sea have not gone unchallenged. Countries in the region have increasingly pushed back through diplomatic, legal, and military means. The recent incident with the Philippine airdrop highlights the ongoing tensions and the resolve of smaller nations to resist Beijing’s coercive tactics.

Maritime security enhancements: Increased maritime security cooperation among Southeast Asian nations is a critical countermeasure. Joint patrols, military exercises, and intelligence sharing enhance regional capabilities and present a unified front against Chinese aggression.

International support: The involvement of external powers, notably the United States and Japan, plays a crucial role in balancing China’s ambitions. The presence of US and Japanese naval forces in the region serves as a deterrent to unchecked Chinese expansionism and provides support to regional states in defending their sovereignty.

Public information campaigns: Countries like Vietnam and the Philippines have effectively used public information campaigns to highlight Chinese aggression. By bringing international attention to Beijing’s tactics, these nations garner support and pressure China to adhere to international norms.

In a nutshell

China’s territorial disputes in the South China Sea are not isolated incidents but part of a broader strategy to establish regional dominance. Control over the region allows Beijing to secure critical sea lanes, access vast natural resources, and enhance its military reach. Each territorial claim, from the Scarborough Shoal to the Natuna Islands, fits into China’s grand design of regional hegemony.

The recent interception of the Philippine resupply airdrop is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for control in the South China Sea. As Southeast Asian nations and their allies continue to resist, it remains a crucial arena for understanding and countering China’s hegemonic ambitions. Through a combination of diplomatic, legal, and military strategies, the region can work towards a stable and rules-based order that respects the sovereignty of all nations involved.

With inputs from agencies