29th August 2024 (11 Topics)
Sabina Shoal
Context
The maritime dispute between China and the Philippines has escalated, with a recent clash near the Sabina Shoal intensifying tensions.
About
- The Sabina Shoal, also known as Xianbin Jiao (China) and Escoda Shoal (Philippines), is situated approximately 75 nautical miles west of the Philippines' coast and about 630 nautical miles from China.
- The shoal lies within the disputed Spratly Islands, a region known for its potential energy resources.
About the South China Sea Issue
- The South China Sea is a highly contested region involving multiple countries, each asserting claims over various islands and maritime zones.
- The dispute primarily centersaround control of the Spratly Islands and other features, which are believed to be rich in oil and gas deposits.
- China’s extensive claims are marked by the so-called nine-dash line, which overlaps with claims made by other countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei.
- The line comprises nine dashes which extends hundreds of miles south and east from its most southerly province of Hainan.
- The Philippines had previously sought arbitration through the United Nations, which ruled against China’s expansive claims, but Beijing has refused to recognize this decision.
- The dispute affects regional players like China, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and international stakeholders such as the UK, Japan, Australia, and South Korea.
Primary contested locations and the countries involved in these disputes:
|
Location |
About |
Claimants |
Spratly Islands
|
The Spratly Islands consist of numerous islands, reefs, and atolls. They are strategically significant and believed to contain rich oil and gas reserves. Each claimant controls different features within the archipelago. |
China, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei |
Paracel Islands
|
The Paracel Islands are a group of islands and reefs in the northern part of the South China Sea. China controls the entire group, but Vietnam and Taiwan also claim parts of it. The Paracels are important for their strategic location and fisheries. |
China, Vietnam, Taiwan
|
Scarborough Shoal (Huangyan Island)
|
Located northeast of the Spratlys, Scarborough Shoal is an area rich in fishing resources. China has maintained de facto control over the shoal, but the Philippines also claims it. It is a little more than 100 miles (160km) from the Philippines and 500 miles from China. |
China, Philippines
|
Second Thomas Shoal (Ren'ai Jiao)
|
The Second Thomas Shoal is located southwest of the Spratlys. The Philippines maintains a military outpost here on a grounded ship, which has been a source of ongoing friction with China. |
China, Philippines
|
Macclesfield Bank (Zhongsha Islands)
|
This underwater atoll lies to the northeast of the Spratlys. It is claimed by China, but the Philippines also asserts rights over the area, which is important for its potential resources. |
China, Philippines |
James Shoal (Zhenghe Reef) |
Situated near the southern edge of the South China Sea, James Shoal is claimed by China and Malaysia. China claims it as the southernmost point of its maritime territory. |
China, Malaysia |
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