Maritime Security Challenges in South China Sea

Abstract

The South China Sea region is a part and parcel of Indo-Pacific region and it has emerged as a major maritime challenge, not only for the littorals and the contending states, but for all the users and the stakeholders as well. Most of the scholars assume the fact that the simmering disputes and resort to brinkmanship pose a serious threat to the peace and stability in this region. Moreover, the geo strategic significance of the South China Sea is very difficult to overstate and this sea functions as the threat of the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. A large part of India trade passes through this area that provides a transit between the Indian Ocean and the Western Pacific. Moreover, the universal aim of all the maritime parties like Australia, South Korea, Japan, India and the US revolves around maintaining pace and stability while ensuring the freedom of navigation and unhindered access to the movement of shipping trade across the region. But the China has always opposed external disturbance in this region. Reason behind it is that the China always claims that this region belongs to her territorial interests. That is why; the US arrival in this region may disturb the peace process in South Asian countries. Now it is obvious that the maritime threats and challenges affecting this region demand a closer maritime bondage and cooperation among the rivalry forces. Some of the scholars suggest that ASEAN can play a vital role to create a peace and stability in this region and China should also cooperate with the maritime powers to continue trade facility in the region. Moreover, China should respect the decision of International Court regarding the matter of Philippines in the context of South China Sea.