Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: The South China Sea is back in focus. China on August 1 issued management measures for the Huangyan Dao National Nature Reserve in the disputed South China Sea, a move likely to further escalate its maritime row with the Philippines, which has counterclaims over the shoal.
South China Sea is a major shipping route that connects the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. According to statistics, around 22 per cent of the total global trade and around 60 per cent of global maritime trade pass through the South China Sea.
The sea is also known for fishing and related activities. The presence of oil and natural gas on the sea bed also makes it economically and strategically very important.
The sea is home to rich fishing grounds — a major source of income for millions of people across the region.
The BBC reported that more than half of the world’s fishing vessels operate in this area. Under the new rules issued by China a routine patrol system will be established to promptly investigate and handle violations in accordance with the law.
Violators will be held accountable under relevant laws and regulations. The rules were jointly issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, the China Coast Guard, and the Hainan provincial government.
Without prior approval, any activities such as fishing, mining, and the extraction of corals, coral reefs, or giant clams that damage rare marine species and the natural ecosystem are prohibited.
In the past few years, China has also tried to stop other nations from conducting any military or economic operation without its consent, saying the sea falls under its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Contested claims
China’s sweeping claims, however, have been widely contested by other countries. Multiple countries have claimed waters in the South China Sea, including Brunei, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and China.
In response, China has physically increased the size of islands or created new islands altogether in the sea, according to the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR).
Disputed ISLANDS
The aggressive behaviour of China in advancing its claims over the South China Sea has created territorial disputes.
● Scarborough Shoal, also known as Huangyan Island, is a rock in the South China Sea, approximately 120 nautical miles west of the Philippine island of Luzon. China and Philippines have been embroiled in a tussle over the shoal’s territorial claim since 2012.
● There has been an ongoing territorial dispute between China, Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia concerning the ownership of the Spratly Islands archipelago.
● China, Taiwan and Vietnam have attempted to reinforce their claims on Paracel Islands.
