In a paragraph of 5–7 sentences, describe China’s involvement in the South china 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 China Sea conflict has been widely criticized and condemned by several countries in the region. China has been assertively claiming sovereignty over various disputed islands and reefs in the area, leading to increased tensions with neighboring countries such as Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia. China has embarked on massive land reclamation projects, turning some of these disputed features into military bases and creating new realities on the ground. These actions have been seen as unjustified as they disregard the competing territorial claims of other nations and violate the principles of international law.
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) plays a significant role in assessing China's actions. The Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in 2016 that China's extensive claims to sovereignty over the South China Sea had no legal basis under UNCLOS and that its land reclamation projects violated the rights of other nations to access resources in their exclusive economic zones. This evidence supports the critique that China's actions are illegal and in violation of the international law framework established by UNCLOS.
Moreover, China's actions have ignited concerns over the moral implications of its involvement in the South China Sea conflict. The militarization of these disputed islands and reefs has raised fears of an arms race and potential conflict in one of the world's busiest trade routes. China's assertive behavior undermines the stability and security of the region, rendering its actions immoral as they prioritize its own interests over regional peace and cooperation.
In conclusion, China's involvement in the South China Sea conflict is widely seen as both unjustified and illegal. Its actions violate the principles of international law, as highlighted by the ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration. Moreover, China's assertiveness and militarization of the disputed territory have raised concerns about regional stability and peace, highlighting the moral implications of its actions. Overall, the evidence supports the critique that China's involvement in the conflict is neither legal nor moral.