Describe the South China Sea conflict, including who is involved, what resources are being disputed, and what is being done in a fully developed paragraph. Be sure to restate all information in your own words without copying and pasting or using AI.
The South China Sea conflict involves multiple countries in the region, including China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. The main point of contention is the control and ownership of various resources within the area. These resources include oil and natural gas reserves, fisheries, and valuable shipping routes. The dispute stems from overlapping territorial claims, with different countries asserting their sovereignty over islands, reefs, and waters within the South China Sea. China, in particular, claims most of the sea based on historical records and the so-called "Nine-Dash Line." The other countries involved, however, contest these claims, as international law recognizes them as Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This conflict has led to heightened tensions and competition among the claimant states, resulting in military build-ups, territorial incursions, and occasional clashes. To address the issue, various diplomatic efforts have been made, including arbitration proceedings at an international tribunal. Additionally, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been facilitating dialogues and negotiations between the involved parties to encourage peaceful resolutions and the development of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. The conflict remains unresolved, and the situation continues to be closely monitored by the international community.
