South China Sea Territorial Crisis Background Guide MinneMUN 2016 United Nations Student Association UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA APRIL 2ND, 2016
Table of Contents Letter from the Chair 2 Staff Biographies 3 How to MUN 5 Action Guides 5 Parliamentary Procedure Grid 7 Background Information 8 Character/Country Guide 16 Maps 1
Letter from the Chair Welcome Delegates, We have a most serious situation on our hand. The world is globalizing fast. International business is booming. While this is great for our connected world, it has caused disputes over water and land rights. The South China Sea is one of the many maritime territories that is under siege of constant international disputes. Countries have claimed legitimacy of ownership to the sea. Some nations have been more vocal than others. This cannot continue if this global world of ours is to stay connected. There have been nations, such as China, that have been very vocal over their rights to the South China Sea. Other nations such as Malaysia, Vietnam and Japan have also claimed rights to the South China Sea. These claims have risen the ire of other states such as the United States and Russia due to their markets being affected. They re also forced to choose sides in the disputes, heightening tensions. There have been too many violations from all sides. Peace and stability cannot thrive under these conditions. I have urged all of us to be in attendance today with peace talks, negotiation and results in mind. I urge the international community to convene on April 2nd, for the purpose of finding solutions. We need to settle these disputes as best we can; our global community needs a resolution to this dispute. We are all apart of this globalizing world and all deserve the same chances at success for our people. Sincerely, Arbresha Ibraimi Chair 2
Chair Arbresha Ibraimi: Staff Biographies Mirë se vini Delegatët! I m studying Global Studies, with emphasis on human rights in Africa, and public health. I plan on studying abroad in Kenya sometime next year. I also currently work for the United Nations Association of Minnesota as a trainer. We work with middle school and high school students on UN topics and host model UN conferences for them, as well. For this conference I will be your chair. My goal is to facilitate the conference by: ruling on points and motions, moderating the committee s procedures and making sure that the debate is fair and lively. I m looking forward to meeting you all! Vice- Chair Rylie Yaeger: 大家好, delegates! I am a sophomore this year pursuing a major in Political Science with a focus on Global Politics and a minor in Chinese. I am studying abroad in Beijing the next academic year, so I really hope that the United States doesn t go to war with China. I m invested. As vicechair, I get to help the chair to moderate our simulation, and you delegates will make sure that I can safely travel with my American visa. Simulations Director - Cullin Trivett: Hello, delegates! I am a sophomore this year pursuing a dual-major in International Business and Finance along with a dual-minor in French and Political Science. This is my first year in Model United Nations, and I have been enjoying it immensely. This committee touches on a complex and precarious situation involving many states. As a simulations director, I am looking forward to seeing how you all, as delegates, react to the problems presented before you! Simulations Director Alix Knutson: Bonjour Délégués! I am a sophomore majoring in International Business and Nonprofit Management along with pursuing a double minor in French and Arabic. I will be studying abroad in Morocco next fall and am looking forward to gaining perspective on a new culture and region of the world. I have been to Model UN conferences in Washington DC, Chicago, and San Francisco. I will be one of the people directing your simulation! 3
Simulations Director - Nur Artricia Mohd Jefrin Azlan: Selamat datang, dear delegates! I am a freshman majoring in Psychology, minoring in Chinese and planning to double major in Global Studies concentration on Cultural Analysis. Coming from the small southeastern country, Malaysia, my region of focus is always East Asia, and asian crisis issues are near to me. As one of your simulation directors, I am excited to observe how you all, as representatives, come up with diplomatic agreements or actions on territorial issues and handle future crisis, which will be presented to you to solve. I am also looking forward to meet all the great delegates in this committee! Simulations Director Jacob Ames: Hello delegates. I am in my final year here at the University of Minnesota, about to wrap up my major in Sociology LCD and minors in Spanish and Global Studies. This is my second year here at MUN and my third conference I ve participated in! As a simulations director, I look forward to presenting you all with not-so-unrealistic scenarios that can change the course of events drastically. Choose wisely! Communications Lexi Steinkraus & Ben Werner: 안녕하세요? Ben and I are both Global Studies majors, and we ll be tag-teaming Communications for this simulation! We re so excited to work with the crisis team to create extremely innovative updates for delegates. We ll be working in 2018, and who knows what technologies will be available during this day and age. While the focuses of my studies are on East Asia, concentrating on politics on the Korean peninsula, it s been a blast expanding my expertise to include the South China Sea. 4
How to MUN This section is included to give a quick overview of the different actions you can take during committee in addition to highlighting the rules of Parliamentary Procedure. Directives Directives are how our committee is going to take action. There are three options in how you want to create directives. You can do it as a whole committee, between a group of people, or individually. As you can imagine, the size of the directives also rank in how effective the directive will be. Directives are informal for our conference, but detail and shrewd movements are the most appreciated. In the end, crisis staff are the ones that decide which actions will follow carry. In MinneMUN, we don t try to limit your movements in many ways. But remember, crisis can be sneaky. Directives can backfire, you could be linked to some not so legal action, and you can be fired or killed. Sample Group Directive: The countries present resolve to begin a naval weapons-sharing program in order to ensure mutual safety and protection. This directive is effective immediately. Sample Joint Directive: Vietnam and the Philippines will work in joint to ensure mutual security of fishing and commerce ships within the South China Sea. Should any issue arise concerning maritime vessels from either state, inform the representatives from both states immediately. Do not pass this information on to any other delegation. Signed: Philippines and Vietnam Sample Individual Directive: Order the navy and coast guard to be on alert. Begin more routine patrols within our territorial waters and alert commanding officers to be vigilant but do not engage any vessel unless attacked first. Alert the delegation immediately if any issues arise. Signed: Malaysia Press Releases Another option is to make a press release. A press release can reveal knowledge that you have or the committee has to the public or an opinion that isn t being reflected currently by the body. As any good politician knows, the press is a useful tool to wield against enemies, to unite a country, or to crush an action taken. Just the same as directives, we can do them as a group, as a joint action, or as an individual. To make a press release: Cite your news source that you want to talk to, if you would like to remain anonymous, and if you are open to questions. You can simply make a statement or request an interview. Like always, it depends on the action. 5
Sample Group Press Release: The countries present condone the recent increase in military patrols conducted by the Chinese navy. We implore this committee to stand firm against military aggression while this session is meeting. As such, we have collectively begun boycotting Chinese goods until the patrols have ended. Sample Joint Press Release: After a private meeting between the delegations from the Philippines and Indonesia, the two nations have come to an economic and military agreement that promotes trade and defense between the two nations. It is their hope that this mutual commerce and defense agreement will allow the two nations to mutually assist one another during these troubling times. Sample Individual Press Release: A delegate within the committee on resolving the territorial disputes within the South China Sea has leaked that China intends to resume military patrols within their claimed territory on the sea despite the outcry from neighboring nations. Wishing to remain anonymous, the source has informed international media outlets, such as Reuters and the Associated Press, that China plans to continue these patrols as a means of displaying unparalleled military power within her sphere of influence. 6
Parliamentary Procedure Action Name Function When can you? Vote? Motion for a Limit topic of debate, set a speaking time, In between Yes, simple majority Moderated and/or number of speakers speeches or when Caucus the chair asks for any points or motions Motion for Unmoderated Caucus Motion to Introduce a Resolution Right of reply Motion to end meeting Point of Order Points of Personal Privilege Motion to Divide the Question Motion to end debate Get up, make allies, or devise strategies. An informal discussion Bringing your working paper to the whole body Someone has made an intentionally offensive or false claim against your country or organization Calls for the end of session. Ends the simulation Asks questions about procedure or clarification. Not used to question speakers Used to complain about status. (e.g. Cannot hear speaker, the room is too hot, etc.) Used when a clause or section of a resolution is especially contentious and could change the voting record. Separates the clause and the resolution into two separate votes Ends the discussion on debate and moves into voting procedure on current resolution In between speeches or when the chair asks for any points or motions In between speeches or when the chair asks for any points or motions During or after the offending speech In between speeches or when the chair asks for any points or motions In between speeches or when the chair asks for any points or motions In between speeches or when the chair asks for any points or motions When a motion to vote has been made In between speeches or when the chair asks for any points or motions Yes, simple majority Yes, simple majority No, Chair s discretion Yes, simple majority No No In between speeches or when the chair asks for any points or motions Yes, 2/3 majority 7
Background Information The South China Sea extends from the Strait of Malacca in the southwest, to the Strait of Taiwan in the northeast, and stretches eastwards towards Vietnam and Malaysia. It occupies an area of approximately 1,423,000 square miles and boasts an average depth of just under 4,000 feet. While technically still a part of the Pacific Ocean, the South China Sea is notably different as a result of the rhombus-shaped basin in the eastern part of the sea. This basin forms the border of the Eurasian tectonic plate between itself and the Philippine Sea Plate, resulting in a deep-sea drop-off off the coast of the Philippines. The sea is fairly isolated due to the various larger island chains and archipelagos surrounding the bulk of the sea. Access to the sea is capable through the many connecting channels and larger straits. To the north, the Luzon Strait between the Philippines and Taiwan grant a large entrance out to the rest of the Pacific Ocean. Similarly, to the west, the Strait of Malacca allows access to the Indian Ocean. Beyond these major straits, smaller connecting channels exist through the islands of Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia. A number of island chains and archipelagos exist within the sea. These islands are the result of tectonic plate collapses millions of years ago, which created an uneven floor to the South China Sea. Furthermore, a large amount of coral reefs and shoals are present within the sea, many are only accessible from the surface when the tides change. Many of the smaller island chains in the sea are present within the basin area to the east, between China and Vietnam on the Asian continent, and the larger islands that make up the Philippines and Indonesia. Notable island chains include the Spratly Islands and Paracel Islands in the east and the Natuna and Anambas Islands in the southwest. Resources are plentiful within the sea. Fishing has been a large industry in the area for hundreds of years. The region boasts a remarkable amount of marine biodiversity making it an important ecosystem for scientific research in addition to the valuable fisheries that are crucial for the 8
coastal nations. Furthermore, some scientists estimate that the region holds up to 30% of the world s coral reefs. Besides the wide range of marine life within the sea, beneath the sea lies large reserves of oil and natural gas. These reserves have not been fully industrialized, and hold a range of economic opportunities for the nations of the region. Outside of the potential economic gains from the oil and natural gas deposits, the region is the second largest sea lane in the world and sees a large amount of products and resources flow through the straits and from the coastal nations of the region. Nations with coasts on the South China Sea include Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, China, Indonesia, Brunei, Cambodia, Thailand, and Taiwan. An estimated 500 million people live on the coasts of the South China Sea with a population that is expected to grow even more within the next few years. Post-WWII During WWII, Imperial Japan was occupying the Korean peninsula and systematically terrorized the population, forcing many into conscription and war support roles, as well as recruiting an estimated 200,000 Koreans into the role of comfort women - prostitutes for Japanese soldiers. Upon Japanese surrender, there was a vicious race for the peninsula, and the Soviets ended up occupying north of the 38th parallel, while the Americans and allies took south of it. This set the scene for the Korean War, the first major conflict of the Cold War, in which United Nations forces, led by America and her allies showed how far they would go to defend their allies. This set the precedent for future conflicts, as well as forced the Soviet Union and China to switch their support for smaller countries to material and non-manpower arms, as both suffered losses in direct fighting with the Americans. The Korean War was also an important demonstration of power within the international system. Because of Russia s absence from a Security Council vote, the United States was able to aid their ally South Korea with the support of the United 9
Nations and the international community, demonstrating the importance of world super powers within a regional conflict. After the conclusion of World War II, Vietnam and some of France s territory in the area fought their colonizer in what is called the First Indochina War. Vietnam succeeded in gaining independence and was split into communist North Vietnam and western-aligned South Vietnam. Apart from sporadic fighting during the second World War, most of the islands in dispute were unphased by the vicious battles that ravaged the South China Sea. With the Communist victory in mainland China, the remnants of Nationalist China fled to Taiwan, where they subsequently laid claims to some of the islands, as well did the PRC. The 70 s saw exploration of the islands and their possible oil reserves by the Vietnamese and Filipinos. These oil fields today provide the Philippines with nearly 15% of its oil consumption today. Around the same time, the Johnson South Reef Skirmish occurred between Vietnamese and Chinese troops, which ended in over 70 Vietnamese soldiers dying and China solidifying its presence on the Spratly Islands. Bunkers and military installations have been installed since then. In the late 1950s, communist China and the Soviet Union undid their friendship and cooperation in what is now called the Sino-Soviet split. The major differences were in communist ideology, but relationships with the west and involvement in other nations affairs were also a huge factor. This led to the United States and China warming relations in the 1970s under President Nixon. In the South China Sea region, several major conflicts took place, namely the American involvement in Vietnam throughout the 60s and 70s that ended with the North Vietnamese conquering the South and unifying the country. During the same time, Cambodia underwent a brutal period of history under the Khmer Rouge, who systematically murdered millions of Cambodians. Vietnam invaded the country in 1978 and removed the Khmer Rouge from power. China and a now-unified Vietnam fought a brief war in 1979 over disagreements over territory and actions taken in the area; this is often called the Sino-Vietnamese War, which resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of soldiers on both sides and significantly fractured the alliances within the communist-aligned world. 10
In 1994, UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) was ratified, which about equally distributed much of the South China Sea to the countries involved, claiming each had a claim about two hundred nautical miles out due to an Exclusive Economic Zone. Military Conflicts in the late 20th Century Vietnam War - the United States assisted what was then called South Vietnam against the communist north in one of the most (in)famous wars of the Cold War. Fought from November 1955 to April 1975, this proxy-conflict between the Soviet Union and the United States costs hundreds of thousands of lives and ultimately united Vietnam under one communist-ruled flag. Cambodia-Vietnam War - soon after unification, Vietnam invaded its neighbor Cambodia in order to replace the tyrannical Khmer Rouge government, who had been launching attacks on Vietnamese border outposts. Ultimately succeeding, the Khmer Rouge was thrown out of power and, later, onto trial for crimes against humanity. This conflict caused the Sino-Vietnamese War soon after. Sino-Vietnamese War - a direct consequence of Vietnamese action in Chinese-supported Cambodia, PLA (Chinese) troops attempted to invade Vietnam as punishment for interference. The short war accomplished little, and normally thought of as a Vietnamese victory, as PLA forces made little headway into Vietnam and suffered many casualties. This war solidified Vietnam s alliance with the Soviet Union and furthered the Sino-Soviet split. South China Sea in the 21st Century The South China Sea has been central to disputes between many Southeast Asian Nations. The beginning of the 21st century has been fraught with turmoil and claim disputes. Timeline of 21st Century Events: 2000-2011 In early 2000, Philippine soldiers fire at Chinese fisherman killing only one, but harming and detaining others. 11
In January 2001, the Philippine Navy disrupts more than ten Chinese flagged ships, ejecting the vessels from the Spratly Islands. That March, China was set to build their structures, but the Philippine Navy set out to deter any such action. In 2002, Vietnamese troops set out to fire shots at Philippine planes flying overhead near the Spratly Islands. In 2003, a Japanese maritime forces aircraft ran across a Chinese submarine sailing between Japan's Kyushu and Tanegashima islands, causing increased tensions. In 2004, the increased tensions between Japan and China escalated into a full out use of cannons. Japan used canon forces against Chinese fishing vessels, near the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands, causing injury to one Chinese citizen. In 2005, a Chinese Naval Vessel is spotted to a gas field that is also under dispute. They set up a target using a gun that was pointed at a Japanese surveillance aircraft. This happened more than once. In October of 2006, Chinese vessels were reportedly said to be shadowing United States carriers. In 2007, a Chinese naval vessel fired at a Vietnamese fishing boat, killing one of their sailors. In 2008, ExxonMobil strikes a deal with Vietnam. This upset China, who fires back with arguments that this would be a breach of their sovereignty. China is also on thin ice with Japan due to sending their vessels out to their territorial waters. In 2009, China pushes boundaries with the United States. Five of their vessels-made up of naval, patrol, and fishing trawlers, harass a United States Naval Ship just seventy-five miles south of the Hainan Islands. Just within a few months of this, a Chinese submarine managed to crash, with what was to believed as intention, into a United States war ship damaging sonar equipment. In 2010, Chinese naval ships practice anti-submarine warfare in Japan s Miyako strait. In the same year, China and Indonesia both seize control of fishing vessels. Indonesian naval ships also face confrontation of armed Chinese vessels, but major conflict and warfare is avoided. In 2011, a Philippine vessel is forced to leave an area near the Spratly Islands due to a Chinese vessel firing off warning shots. In the same year, a Chinese State Oceanic Administration Helicopter also sets of warnings. This time to a Japanese destroyer near a gas field that both nations lay claim to. 12
The Past Five Years: 2012-2016 In March 2012, Taiwan s Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated its sovereignty claim over the South China Sea. In response, the Filipino surveillance aircraft identified Chinese fishing vessels at Scarborough Shoal in April 2012. This prompted the Philippine Navy to deploy the largest, newly acquired from the U.S. into the area. In return, China sent their surveillance ships to the area. In August 2013, Malaysia recognized China s claims over the South China Sea and ignores other state s claims of sovereignty in the territory. They agreed with China s claim to patrol the region. In January 2014, China imposed a fishing permit rule within the region to the objections of the U.S., the Philippines, and Vietnam. Then in August, the Chinese Shenyang J-11 harassed the American Boeing P-8 Poseidon. The Chinese Navy orders their fighter jets to fly closer to the U.S. surveillance aircraft. In April 2015, China began to transform reefs within the region into artificial islands in addition to other small islands within the sea. The U.N. does not recognize artificial islands a nation occupying territorial waters. In September, China completed their 3,125-meter runway on earlier newly created Reef. In October, the USS Lassen was deployed to waters around the artificial islands. U.S. allies namely the Philippines prompted this action. In January 2016, the U.S. continued to patrol the region with their Navy. In February 2016, satellite images display that China has deployed surface-to-air missiles on Yongxing Island in the Paracel Islands. Denying claims by Taiwan, China s Foreign Minister denies the allegation stating there are only a limited and necessary self-defense facilities for self-protection and selfpreservation. The U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says that the militarization is a serious concern. 13
Timeline for 2017: January 2017: January 5th, 2017 China released a statement condemning energy and oil exploration in petroleum blocks near Reed Bank. No statement was made about what or who the officials were referring to, there was also no documentation of another nation infringing on China s EEZ for oil exploration. March 2017: March 29th, 2017 Petro Vietnam announces that one of its state owned ships had its cables cut. This event has happened twice in the past, once on November 30, 2012 and once on May 26, 2011. Although the time in 2012 was determined to have been an accident, the time in 2011 was purposeful; the cables were cut by Chinese ships. There is currently an investigation as to the cause/intention of these March 2017 cable cuts, along with determining what nation is responsible. April 2017: April 4th, 2017 Petro Vietnam confirms that Chinese fishing boats were the source of the cable cuts, and that these cuts were indeed intentional. April 2017: April 7th, 2017 Chinese officials respond to Vietnam s allegations, denying any involvement or conspiracy with fishermen, also stating that they will not be performing an internal investigation. June 2017: June 14th, 2017 Japan captures and arrests 3 Chinese fishermen after a chase where shots were fired from both ends. These fishermen were arrested on the suspicion of spying and conspiracy. The chase began near a small islands off the coast of Nagasaki, and shots were fired by the fishermen within 5 miles of the initial point of meeting near the islands, the Japanese militants fired back immediately. No one was injured in the chase. The fishermen are currently being questioned by Japanese officials. June 2017: June 15th, 2017 Chinese officials demand the release of the three Chinese fishermen. 14
June 2017: June 19th, 2017 Japanese officials make a formal arrest of three of the Chinese fishermen, confirming their intention to spy on Japanese militants taking base in Nagasaki. Japanese officials sentenced the fishermen to three years in prison. September 2017: September 03, 2017 Indonesia announces the death of three out of 10 fishermen on a fishing vessel. The vessel was located about 78 miles north west of Natuna Islands. The Indonesian government is unsure of who is responsible for these attacks, and will be pursuing an investigation. September 2017: September 17, 2017 Indonesia claims evidence that Chinese militants are responsible for the attack and murder of three of their citizens. September 2017: September 18, 2017 China denies allegations put forth by Indonesia. September 2017: September 29th, 2017 Two Filipino soldiers are charged with the assault of two Chinese fishermen. December 2017: December 08, 2017 Two Chinese Maritime surveillance airplanes flew over Diaoyu Islands, which are controlled by Japan. A similar event happened around the same time five years ago. Japan dispatched three F-15s and released a statement of condemnation towards 15
Character/Country Guide People's Republic of China The People s Republic of China (PRC) is one of the main players in the South China Sea dispute. China is the world s most populous country with a staggering 1.36 billion people; the nation subsequently wields the world s largest military force as well. The PRC s claim of nearly all the South China Sea can be found in documents dating back to the Han Dynasty, and they have supposedly produced documents confirming such. It has had minor confrontations with its neighbors over the sea, especially the Philippines, in clashes that have sometimes results in deaths of local fishermen and soldiers. Most recently, the PRC has been noted to be physically constructing islands and in the past month have moved anti-air missiles directly onto the islands. United States of America The United States of America, while geographically separated from the region, is one of the most influential and important players in the conflict. Having a naval presence in the area since the end of the second World War, the United States maintains that all states have the right to freedom on the high seas, outside of the 12 nautical mile buffer coastal states possess where they have sovereign rights. The primary conflict between the United States and China arises from the disagreement in the interpretation of a nation s Exclusive Economic Zone, which China uses as legal precedent for its activities and claims within the South China Sea. With President Obama s Pivot to Asia, the United States has been refocusing its efforts on solidifying relations with regional allies, such as the Philippines, and countering other countries perceived aggression. Philippines Directly located in the South China Sea, the Philippines has been one of the loudest countries opposed to the PRC s land grab in the area. The country s main contention with the PRC is over the Scarborough Shoal s, a set of islands around 137 miles off of the Philippine island of Luzon. Its population is about 99 million and is diverse in language, ethnicity, and religion. It is strongly integrated into the local and world economy. In addition to its own medium sized military, it maintains a strong and active military cooperation with the United States of America. Vietnam Vietnam is a big player in the South China Sea dispute and has a lot of territory and resources on the line. Chinese and Vietnamese relations have been tense for years as the result of various trespassing occurrences, the exchange of fire by both countries security forces, and the stealing/unfair claiming of resources. Vietnam has been forming closer relations with nations such as India and Philippines largely due towards the nations shared spite towards China, Vietnam has also been strengthening their relationship with the United States, which could cause the U.S. to be drawn into a conflict between China and Vietnam. China has harassed some of Vietnam s oil ships even though the ships were searching for the oil and gas within Vietnam s EEZ and last May (2014) China moved one of their oil rigs into water that was claimed by Vietnam. As China and Vietnam both try and maintain a strong influence in the mainland of 16
Southeast Asia, sea resources and territorial disputes are escalating tension and conflict between the nations. Malaysia Malaysia spans two large islands and has three neighbors: Thailand, Indonesia, and the small country of Brunei, which it envelops. One of Malaysia s interests in the South China Sea is preserving Malaysia s claim, which is the 11 maritime features in Spratly Islands. As the 2 nd largest oil & natural gas producer & the world s 3 rd largest Liquefied Natural Gas exporter, it is crucial for them to win the claim, since most of the resources are obtained from the South China Sea. The South China Sea is also the waterway that divides Peninsula Malaysia from East Malaysia in which they need to safeguard the territorial integrity for country s security. Malaysia claims territory in the South China Sea per its economic zone, but it has not put forward any military claims on territory on the islands. Indonesia The Republic of Indonesia is an island nation comprised of hundreds of islands south of the South China Sea. With an ethnically diverse population of over 255 million people, the nation is a melting pot of language, culture, and religion in the area. Indonesia one of the largest critics of China s claims in the South China Sea. The main dispute arises from border conflicts concerning Indonesia s Riau Islands province and other smaller Indonesian islands that are either within the China s claimed territory or extremely close to the claimed region. The increased pressure from China has forced the nation to increase its military presence within the region and further vocalize its dismay with China's claims. Brunei Officially titled the Nation of Brunei, the Abode of Peace, the tiny inlet island nation sits within the Malaysian state of Sarawak. An independent Muslim sultanate for centuries, the country has a population of a little over 400,000 and is made up of ethnic Malays, with a sizeable Chinese minority. Islam is the nation s largest religion, and as of 2015 the state is guided by Sharia law. Brunei s only one implicit claim towards the Louisa Reef in South China Sea will extend their maritime and coastal boundary as the reef is the prolongation of its continental shelf. This is also an Exclusive Economic Zone based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The islands offer significant resources such as oil and natural gas reserves. It is important for Brunei to establish international boundaries and avoid disputes with other countries. Japan Japan is located in East Asia. It is just east of the Korean Peninsula and spans 364,485 sq. km in land mass. Its population of 127 million people is made up of mostly Japanese, but a small percentage of Koreans and Chinese. After World War 2, Japan s economy fluctuated in growth. There was growth up until the 90 s, but stagnated until the early 2000 s. Recession also followed after 2008, but since 2013, growth has been rampant. As of today, Japan has the fourth largest economy. The South China Sea plays a major role in Japan s economy. About eighty percent of Japan s oil imports rely on free passage through the sea. Just recently, Japan asked the 17
US to keep closer surveillance on the South China Sea to ensure that navigation remains free through the islands. South Korea After a military coup in 1961, South Korea s government and economy took a turn for the better. From 1961 to about 1979, South Korea s economy experienced a massive growth spurt. Its per capita income grew approximately seventeen times greater compared to that of North Korea s. They had their first democratic election in 1987, and in 2013, Park Geun-hye became South Korea s first female president. When it comes to the South China Sea, South Korea has remained silent. The desire to remain in good standing with all neighbors and the rest of the international community has been the driving factor in this. Republic of China Known as Taiwan to many, the Republic of China (RoC) is the remnant of the Chinese Nationalist movement of the late 1940s. Subjucated to the island of Taiwan, which is southeast of the PRC and northwest of the Philippine Sea, the RoC has a population of about 23.5 million people composed primarily of ethnic Taiwanese and a sizeable minority of ethnic mainland Chinese. The RoC s main dispute is with China and Vietnam is over the oil-rich Paracel Islands to its south, which are occupied and administered by the PRC. The RoC technically does not have diplomatic relations with many countries, but regardless, it acquires much of its military equipment and training from the US military. India The Republic of India is the second most populous country in the world and is an emerging power in the region, both militarily and economically. A nuclear weapons state and the world s seventh largest economy, India is becoming increasingly interested in the South China Sea dispute due to the immense energy reserves thought to be located there. India maintains good relationships with the USA and Russia, who are the biggest contributors to the Indian military, respectively. India s top export partner is the USA, and its top import partner is China. India also has territorial claims against China over the Kashmir region. Thailand Thailand is a major mediator in the South China Sea conflict. They are advocating for more cooperation for all the nations involved with hope that the conflict does not escalate any further. Although the nation does not want to get involved, they do have close ties with many nations that have disputed territory as well as those nations allies. Thailand participates closely in regional and international organizations and other international efforts. Thailand is also a member of ASEAN. Thailand has a large number of imports and exports with China which could be a conflict of interest of the surrounding countries were to partake in any form of conflict with China. There is some disputed territory in the gulf of Thailand between Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand. Cambodia 18
While the Kingdom of Cambodia does not have any territorial waters in dispute in the South China Sea, it has a vested interest in stability in the region. Cambodia has been experiencing sustained economic growth over the past few decades. Being a major importer from nations in the region, notably importing from Thailand and China, economic stability is an important goal for the government. Cambodia has historically expressed interest as being a mediator between China and ASEAN nations, a role that would help to ensure a peaceful resolution to the conflicts within the area. With favorable relations with many of its neighbors, Cambodia holds a potentially important role in this territorial conflict. Russian Federation The Russian Federation, while sparse in population along its Pacific coast, has been steadily improving relations with regional countries in the area, namely PRC and India. Russia has no physical stake in the region, but rather supports its allies. Russia maintains a large, active military and is a big economy in the region. Australia Although Australia themselves does not have any territorial claims under dispute, their relationship with other nations along with their allies could draw them into a conflict in the region. China is Australia s biggest trading partner, and Australia has recently been focusing on furthering their relations with the members in ASEAN. Slight tension has arisen between China and Australia/their allies because China has transformed reefs in the South China Sea and turned them into islands, which are capable of supporting small scale military facilities. 19
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