South China Sea Disputes

by Jessica Yu

While presidential elections and Pokemon Go make headlines

in the Western Hemisphere, a hostile sea dispute across the globe

in Southeast Asia has raised growing concern in the Eastern

Hemisphere. In recent days, tension has immensely increased

among several Asian countries over the islands and waters near

Indonesia and the Philippines. Countries such as China, Taiwan,

Vietnam, Brunei, the Philippines, and Malaysia have all made

claims over these islands using history and evidence to justify

their dispute. The desire to control trading posts in the sea and

have access to raw resources have attracted these East Asian

countries. Increased militarization in these areas have led many

to worry about a future battle between the Asian powers.

---

Conferences to negotiate these borders have been largely

unsuccessful while the status of the disputed islands continues to

remain unknown.

A large portion of the disputed territory has been claimed by

China, who use historical maps to prove their original authority.

They have aggressively attacked other countries, such as

Vietnam, in order to take control. The rise of nationalism in China

has contributed to their bellicosity and violent actions. China has

already been accused of violating the sovereign rights of the

Philippines while trying to advance their agenda, and will continue

to do so until they have their territory. They have often been

blamed for the increase of violence in the disputes, and are often

viewed as the common enemy by other countries.

No matter which country gains control over the disputed

lands, the bitter rivalry will probably never disappear. The world

continues to watch nervously as the capricious conditions of the

South China sea unfold.