PODCAST 3: Background of South China Sea Conflict

In the decades following World War II, the South China Sea became a focal point of regional and international politics. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), adopted in 1982, provided a legal framework for maritime boundaries but left many disputes unresolved.
China's rapid economic rise in the late 20th and early 21st centuries brought new dimensions to the conflict. With increased resources and a growing navy, China began to assert its claims more forcefully. The construction of artificial islands and military installations in the Spratlys marked a significant escalation. Runways, ports, and radar stations transformed once uninhabited reefs into strategic military bases, altering the status quo and alarming neighboring countries and global powers alike.
International Reactions and Power Plays
The international response to China's actions has been mixed. The United States, positioning itself as a defender of freedom of navigation, conducts regular "freedom of navigation operations" (FONOPs) near the contested islands. These operations are intended to challenge what the U.S. sees as excessive maritime claims and to ensure that international waters remain open to all.
ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries, despite their differing claims and economic ties with China, have struggled to present a unified front. Diplomatic efforts, including the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and ongoing negotiations for a Code of Conduct, aim to manage the disputes and prevent conflict, but progress has been slow and fraught with challenges.
Excerpt from the book titled - Shifting Sands: Tales from the New Geopolitical Frontier, Personal Impacts of Geopolitical Struggles in Current Times, by Dr. Vijesh Jain
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