In a paragraph of 5–7 sentences, describe China’s involvement in the South Sea conflict and critique their actions. Are their actions justified or unjustified? Legal or illegal? Moral or immoral? How does the evidence in your sources support your critique?
China's involvement in the South Sea conflict has been a matter of intense debate and critique. China has claimed sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, which is disputed by neighboring countries, including Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia, as well as the United States. China has aggressively pursued its claims by constructing artificial islands, militarizing them, and asserting control over the region.
Critics argue that China's actions are unjustified as they violate international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which grants countries exclusive economic zones (EEZs) up to 200 nautical miles from their coastlines. China's extensive territorial claims encroach on the EEZs of nearby countries, infringing upon their rights and undermining the principles of a rules-based international order.
Furthermore, China's construction of military installations on artificial islands in the South China Sea is seen as an aggressive move aimed at gaining geopolitical and strategic advantage. These actions have heightened tensions in the region and threatened the freedom of navigation, which is crucial for global trade.
The evidence from various sources supports these critiques. For instance, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruled in favor of the Philippines in 2016, stating that China's claims had no legal basis. The ruling found that China had violated the Philippines' sovereign rights and caused harm to the marine environment by its island-building activities.
In terms of morality, China's actions can be seen as immoral as they prioritize its national interests at the expense of smaller countries. By using its size, military power, and economic influence, China has exerted pressure on neighboring nations, coercing them into accepting its territorial claims.
In conclusion, China's involvement in the South Sea conflict is widely criticized as unjustified, illegal, and immoral. Its actions violate international law, threaten regional stability, and undermine the rights of neighboring countries. The evidence from legal rulings and expert opinions supports these critiques, highlighting the need for a multilateral and diplomatic resolution to the dispute.