South China Sea Dispute: Geopolitics, China’s Strategy and Future Challenges

South China Sea Dispute: Geopolitics, China’s Strategy and Future Challenges

Date :  23 August 2025

By :  The Global World News 

Today, the most complex issue of the 21st century is the South China Sea geopolitical organization. This region is not just a sea but the center of political, security, energy and international trade of the whole world. Because every year more than 3 trillion dollars of trade takes place through this region. For this reason, many countries make their claims on this region. But China has adopted a very aggressive strategy compared to other countries to bring this region under its influence. Today in this article we will know why this region is important for the countries of the whole world and what is the future of the region, know in detail.

Geographical location and importance

 This region is geographically a part of the Pacific Ocean. And it borders China, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. All these countries claim their rights over this region. There are small islands like Spratly Islands and Paracel Islands here. This sea route connects the continent of Asia to the Middle East, Africa and Europe. There are huge reserves of oil and natural gas here. China has its eyes on these reserves. Therefore, this region is very sensitive from economic, tactical and strategic point of view. At the same time, China's aggressive strategy makes the region more sensitive.

Historical background

 China has its own logic behind claiming this region. China says that in 1947, the nine-dash line was published on the map and on the basis of this line, the entire South China Sea belongs to it. But according to international law, this claim of China is meaningless. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) declared China's claim illegal and ruled in favor of the Philippines, but China refused to accept this decision. And since then, China has been strengthening its hold on the region and is constantly threatening small countries that share maritime borders with the South China Sea.

China's strategy

1. Artificial island construction - China built artificial islands by dumping sand and built airstrips, missile systems and naval bases on them. China wants to establish its illegal empire by building artificial islands in this region.

2. Militarization - By increasing its naval presence in this region, China has challenged other countries that this region belongs to it.

3. Diplomatic pressure - By building its navy, China has tried to put economic and political pressure on ASEAN countries. Its political pressure politics seems to be successful.

4. Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) - By implementing its Maritime Silk Road strategy in this region, it is giving a strategic message to the world.

Viewpoint of neighboring countries

Philippines – Despite winning the case against China in PCA, it is still not giving up its territory. Philippines is militarily weaker than China. Therefore, it is dependent on America.

Vietnam – The biggest opponent of China, which has increased investment in its navy and weapons. But Vietnam is also a very small country compared to China.

Malaysia and Brunei – Both these countries also make limited claims and are in favor of talks. But China is not listening to them. Because China considers itself to have complete rights over the territory.

Taiwan – Like China, it also makes a big claim, but lacks international support. Because no country wants to openly come against China. Secondly, China considers Taiwan as its part.

International Law and UNCLOS

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), 1982 is the biggest legal framework for determining maritime boundaries. According to this, every country gets an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) up to 200 nautical miles from its coastline. China's Nine-Dash Line violates the rules of UNCLOS.

US and other global powers

US sends its warships to the region under "Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs)" to challenge China's claim. US allies Japan and Australia promote the Indo Pacific strategy. European Union supports a law-based order. While India is not directly involved in the dispute, it supports free and open sea routes under "Act East Policy" and "Indo-Pacific Strategy".India conducts a large part of its trade through this region. Therefore, India's strategy is to maintain a law-based order here. India has repeatedly reiterated that disputes should be resolved through international law and negotiations.

Future challenges

1. If China takes complete control, the balance of power in Asia will change. China's influence will increase in the coming future.

2. The presence of US and Chinese navies is increasing the risk of conflict. Because America considers this area as independent for all countries according to international law.

3. With China's occupation of this area, there will be a competition among all countries for energy resources, which can further inflame this dispute.

4. Due to the weakening of unity of ASEAN countries, China's dominance will increase further.

Conclusion

The South China Sea dispute is not merely a regional maritime issue but a defining challenge for the 21st century’s geopolitical order. This region holds the key to global trade, energy security, and strategic balance. China’s aggressive policies have heightened tensions, while smaller neighboring countries struggle to protect their claims. The involvement of the United States and other global powers has further internationalized the conflict, turning it into a symbol of the contest between a rules-based international order and China’s expansionist ambitions. The future of this region will depend on whether diplomacy, international law, and cooperation prevail—or whether power politics and military confrontation push Asia, and perhaps the entire world, into deeper instability.