China’s Reach into the East and South China Sea Creates Economic and Political Tension


Sailors on board Ticonderoga class guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh maintain their shooting skills while on patrol in the South China Sea. Photo: US Navy Photo, Lt. Frederick Martin | FlickrCC.
China and its neighbors Japan, Vietnam, and the Philippines are involved in territorial disputes over the East and South China Seas. As China begins to assert its power in the area, the United States and its regional allies grow more concerned about armed conflict. The area has strategic importance to the economy of the Asia-Pacific region, and increased instability might damage economic growth.

Understanding these complex disputes is made easier by the work of organizations like the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). It draws on the experience of its members to provide non-partisan guidance and insight. Members include Zoë Baird, President, The Markle Foundation; Bill Ford, General Atlantic Chief Executive Officer; and Margaret Warner, Senior Correspondent, PBS NewsHour.

The territorial disputes between China and its neighbors have been an issue for centuries. They can be traced back to the Russian and Japanese War of 1894. China’s growth as an international and regional economic power has empowered their government to take greater risks in preserving their authority. Their territorial claims are perceived threats to the current status quo.

The CFR is dedicated to providing resources that will elevate and inform the public debate on issues important to our burgeoning world culture. High-level discussions with world leaders, US government officials, CEOs, policy analysts, and others provide insight and understanding. As a nonpartisan think tank, the CFR is dedicated to educating citizens so that they have a better understanding of issues the US and other countries are currently facing.

The resources provided by the CFR become increasingly important when there are territorial disputes involving several countries. China has adopted an aggressive stance regarding their expansion into the East and South China Sea. “We are strongly committed to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and security and defending our territorial integrity,” said Chinese President Xi Jingping.

The recent rebuke issued by an international tribunal in The Hague in response to China’s behavior in the South China Sea will further complicate this dispute. China has been constructing artificial islands in the South China Sea based on their claim to sovereignty of these waters. The tribunal rejected China’s claim, which was brought by the Philippines. They said that China had caused irreparable harm to the marine environment and endangered the shipping and fishing industries.

The next steps in this territorial dispute are complex and may include some type international arbitration. We are fortunate to have the resources of the CFR to help improve our understanding of these complex and dynamic issues.

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