Grab what you can while you can: The new reality in the South China Sea
7 hours ago
- #geopolitical tension
- #South China Sea disputes
- #land reclamation
- China has transformed Antelope Reef in the Paracel Islands by rapidly dredging millions of tonnes of sand, creating 6 sq km of land, likely for military purposes, as part of its expansive territorial claims.
- Vietnam, following China's example, is also engaged in dredging, having built harbors and reclaimed land on disputed reefs, adopting a strategy of standing up to China while avoiding public confrontation.
- The Philippines is expanding its presence by developing infrastructure like runways and coastguard bases, challenging China through coastguard clashes and seeking international alliances, despite an unfavorable power balance.
- Asean's efforts to establish a binding code of conduct for the South China Sea have stalled, with China ignoring agreements and a 2016 international court ruling against its claims, leading to a shift toward non-binding agreements.
- The new reality in the region is characterized by countries independently maximizing their control, accepting China's dominance, while pursuing diplomatic and military strategies to assert their claims.