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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on September 27, 2024

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Storms brewing in East, South China seas

For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance

For Mains Examination: GS II - International relations

Context:

China asserts sovereignty over the East China Sea, particularly the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands, which are controlled by Japan, and pushes its claims in the South China Sea, leading to heightened tensions with several Southeast Asian nations

Key takeaways:

In recent years, maritime East Asia has become a hotspot for escalating power struggles. The East China Sea, which borders China, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea, is a key area of contention. China claims sovereignty over the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands, currently under Japanese administration, leading to numerous disputes over time. Similarly, the South China Sea, situated between China, Taiwan, and five Southeast Asian nations — Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, and Indonesia — has become a crucial flashpoint in the Indo-Pacific region. China's assertive approach in asserting its claims in this area has drawn widespread attention.

Why are these maritime areas crucial for China?

China views the East and South China Seas through the lens of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national defense. According to its 2019 Defence White Paper, China considers the South China Sea islands and Diaoyu Islands as inseparable parts of its territory. It justifies its actions in these regions as exercises of sovereignty, including building infrastructure, deploying defense systems, and conducting patrols, though neighboring countries see these activities as aggressive.

Significance of these maritime regions

These seas are central to East Asia's trade routes, with the Taiwan Strait acting as a vital chokepoint. The region also hosts undersea cables essential to the global digital economy. In 2023, the South China Sea saw the transit of approximately 10 billion barrels of petroleum and 6.7 trillion cubic feet of liquefied natural gas, highlighting its economic importance. Furthermore, it holds significant untapped oil and gas reserves.

China’s Actions in the Region

China's aggressive territorial claims manifest through the construction of military infrastructure, such as ports, airstrips, and artificial islands, and by challenging the claims of neighboring countries. In the East China Sea, China has clashed with Japan over the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands, with both nations taking firm stances in several incidents. Although tensions have eased somewhat recently, China's Coast Guard remains highly active around these islands, indicating ongoing friction with Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.

In the South China Sea, China's influence is expanding, backed by the largest navy worldwide. China's deployment of its Coast Guard and maritime militia has employed "grey zone" tactics — maneuvers designed to alter the status quo without triggering open conflict. This has led to increasing incidents, especially with the Philippines, where recent clashes over areas like the Second Thomas Shoal and Sabina Shoal indicate rising tensions.

Regional Responses

Countries in the region have responded in three primary ways:

• Enhancing Defense Capabilities: Nations like Japan and the Philippines have ramped up defense spending, acquiring advanced weaponry such as anti-ship BrahMos missiles from India.

• Challenging China’s Maritime Activities: Regional nations have taken a more vocal stance against Chinese actions. The Philippines, for example, has increased transparency by publicizing China's activities and involving international media to build a narrative.

• Strengthening Alliances with the U.S.: Countries such as Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines have deepened military cooperation with the U.S., resulting in increased joint exercises and defense dialogues. These alliances aim to counterbalance China's influence