Ambiguity In China Essay

Throughout global history, the areas of greatest contest have been based on dry land. As economic, military, and territorial goals have changed, disputed areas have too, to the South China Sea. The Sea provides access to important natural resources and a strategically important naval position, two crucial possessions for any country trying to expand or maintain its power. That being said, the local powers like China, have interests in the area, as well as the United States. Territorial ambiguity between the pacific Asian countries is a current source of tension between China and other local countries who are US allies. The US seeks to maintain these alliances, but their interest in the area is heightened by the availability of natural resources in the area. China is also interested in harnessing these resources to build their growing nation, however there is worry that they will usurp the US of the title: “world’s most powerful country”. Though there is fear of a US/China power struggle and conflict, it is much more likely that the conflict will not escalate to military involvement and the the US-China relationship will become more polarized in terms of communication and trade cooperation.
Dating …show more content…
China’s maritime rights over the area claim features that would not be considered islands under provisions found in the requirements of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Therefore, their 1998 Law on the Exclusive Economic Zone and the Continental Shelf of the People’s Republic of China that claimed additional territorial rights to those found in UNCLOS, is invalid (Taylor Fravel, 2011). China’s claim to the South China Sea are subjective and based on historical allegations, neither of which carry significant weight in terms of international policy making, but still carry some influence among the local countries’ territorial claims that involve United State’s