At least 3.4 trillion USD worth of trade passes through the South China Sea annually, accounting for a third of the global maritime trade.
In various parts of the sea, there is the promise of crude oil and natural gas beneath the seabed, while other areas hold rich fishing grounds.
But, the sea is also loaded with distinct hazards and chokepoints such as straits, reefs, smugglers, secessionists, and so on.
On top of everything are the political boundaries of the nearby coastal states.
No fewer than seven countries have maritime claims in the South China Sea, each overlapping the other.
But, one nation, in particular, makes the most daring claim.
The People's Republic of China not only disputes the waters of each of its neighbours but in doing so it seeks to cast its hegemony over the nations bordering the South China Sea.
In various parts of the sea, there is the promise of crude oil and natural gas beneath the seabed, while other areas hold rich fishing grounds.
But, the sea is also loaded with distinct hazards and chokepoints such as straits, reefs, smugglers, secessionists, and so on.
On top of everything are the political boundaries of the nearby coastal states.
No fewer than seven countries have maritime claims in the South China Sea, each overlapping the other.
But, one nation, in particular, makes the most daring claim.
The People's Republic of China not only disputes the waters of each of its neighbours but in doing so it seeks to cast its hegemony over the nations bordering the South China Sea.
Links :
- E-Flux : South China Sea Monument
ABC : Do Indonesia's South China Sea clashes with Chinese boats signal an escalating conflict?
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