The South China Sea (SCS) holds around 11 billion barrels of oil and 190

trillion cubic feet of natural gas including marine resources like reefs and islands.
China asserts its claims on territorial sovereignty to the land features in the SCS,
and maritime rights and interests in the SCS further protecting their power. One
basis of their claim is the U-shaped “nine-dash line” which covers around 90% of
the territory. It is adapted from Chinese maps in 1940’s from Nationalist
Kuomintang (China’s National People’s Party). Another one is with historical
basis. China claims that they were the first one to discover the islands during the
Chinese Han dynasty. While the two claims are different, the ‘nine-dash line’
serves as China’s representation of its historical claim.

The United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as well
as the contesting countries like the Philippines and Taiwan have disputed China's
claim on the basis of the “nine-dash line” since it was asserted by China in 2009.
Its ambiguity violates the sovereignty of the neighboring countries which are
entitled to their own 200 nm (approximately 370 km) Exclusive Economic Zones
(EEZ). According to the International Law, the countries are allowed to exploit the
resources and build artificial islands in their respective EEZ. Hence it is illegal for
another country to claim another country’s territory in the South China Sea. On
the other hand, there is insufficient proof that China has ruled over the SCS
centuries ago that would further support their historical claim.

China’s “Nine-dash line” as opposed to the EEZ of Philippines and Vietnam

China stands for their “indisputable” claims of the South China Sea on the
basis of history and the “nine-dash line” Over the years, it has held power over
the Sea. Despite the rulings and counter-claims, China continues to assert their
power to keep the status quo. For instance, they rejected the UNCLOS ruling in
2016, saying that they would rather negotiate with the affected countries.
Although, that is not always the case. Reports say that Chinese vessels are still
terrorizing especially the smaller seafarers. It is no secret that the SCS offers
wealth, resources and power which is why it is disputed by SEA countries.
However, China should back off with their coercive methods and actually try to
be participative in the International Courts. Ideally, they should uphold the
principles of territories and sovereignty. They should learn to “share” the
properties which are not rightfully and lawfully theirs to begin with.