The West Philippine Sea: Territorial Claims

By:Roxas,Avril Jesha

Situated in the western Pacific Ocean, the West Philippine Sea, commonly referred to as the South China
Sea, is a region of significant geopolitical significance. Numerous nations border it, including Brunei,
Malaysia, China, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Taiwan. Because of this large body of water's strategic
location, abundance of natural resources, and historical significance, it has been the focus of territorial
conflicts, mostly between China and its neighbors. The purpose of this article is to give a general
overview of the West Philippine Sea conflict, the major parties involved, and the potential consequences
for regional stability.
Based on historical records, China claims sovereignty over most of the West Philippine Sea, claiming it
has ruled the area for millennia. The "nine-dash line," a demarcation line encompassing a sizable chunk of
the sea, lends credence to this assertion. However, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
(UNCLOS), which gives coastal states exclusive economic zones (EEZs), is the basis for the claims of
sovereignty made by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei over particular islands and maritime
zones.
The conflict over the West Philippine Sea has a significant impact on economic growth, marine security,
and regional stability. The region is a significant economic asset due to its abundance of natural
resources, which include fisheries, gas, and oil. There is a greater chance of escalation because to the
heightened militarization, naval patrols, and sporadic conflicts brought on by the conflicting claims. In
addition, the conflict has damaged the diplomatic ties between the participating nations, which has a
negative effect on regional cooperation and makes it more difficult to solve issues like environmental
preservation and disaster relief.