Revisiting Geopolitics in the South China Sea

The South China Sea (SCS) has long been regarded as one of the most complex and challenging ocean-related maritime disputes in East Asia. The SCS dispute has become the locus of disputes that have the potential of escalating into serious international conflicts. The chapter Reviewing Geopolitics in the South China Sea examines the geopolitics and potential conflicts in the region and explains whether such geopolitical aspirations will play an important role in Southeast Asia. The conflicts are triggered due to the availability of rich natural deposits, rare-earth minerals, flora and fauna, rare metals, methane hydrates, and rich fishing grounds. The chapter will analyze whether China’s blue water strategy, and its unclear intentions have created the image that the South China Sea will be the best place for China to wage wars and why this area is important to Asia-Pacific nations and the global community. China’s irredentist impulse and its desire to prevent any threat in the contested waters are evident from its description of the sea as “China’s historical waters.” China’s assertiveness undermines the national interests and freedom of navigation for claimants. This chapter will discuss a few recommendations to evaluate whether conflicts might be better managed in the future and reduce the chances of miscalculations as well.