South China Dispute Explained

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Introduction

China is claiming its control over the entire region of South China Sea (SCS) citing historical reasons (naval expeditions sent during the 15 century).
The tussle for the South China Sea is over the control of region extremely rich in natural resources 11 billion barrels of oil, 190 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, accounts for 10 % world fisheries.
South China sea region counts for 30 % global shipping trade and also China’s life line for its exports.
Strategically it the end point of the Malacca Strait and gateway to South East Asia.
To take control over the region China is engaging its navy and building artificial island over sand reefs in the sea.
Others countries in the region (Vietnam, Philippines, Japan, Malaysia ) states Chinese claims to be baseless, illegitimate, breach of their sovereignty and violation of United Nations convention on the law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Which states that countries Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) extend up-to 200 nautical miles from the baseline of the coast. Within which a country holds all sovereign rights in the EEZ for the purpose of exploring, exploiting natural resources living or non-living.States can carry out economic activities and claim territorial Sovereignty within the nautical limit.

After the empire of Japan surrender in the World War 2 and its influence decline in the region.
China gradually declares its claim over the entire region of the South China Sea citing historical reasons.
To mark its claim China draw an imaginary and symbolic line of the map called Nine Dash Line to identify its territory.
To further consolidate its claim China clearly denied EEZ (1973) and continued with its claims.

The Spratly Islands which are symbolically and geographically the heart of the South China Sea are been claimed number of countries Vietnam, Philippines, Japan, Malaysia, and China.
Control over the Spratly Island means control over the vast region as the claimant can extend their EEZ from the islands baseline up to 200 nautical miles & secure navigation rights within the region.
Though no of islands are remote and in habitable, Claimant countries have built boat houses, buildings & got few people living on the claimed Islands.
To pressurize other claimants and consolidate its claims China is using Cabbage Strategy in the Region.
It is used to in circle the other countries claimed islands using Chinese naval power and cut of the supply chain for the counterpart.
Brocade of Ayongin (Philippines) islands by Chinese naval forces.
Besides this control of the islands provide strategic support and supplies to the Chinese navy.
So China is building artificial islands in the region.

Till now the issue is Public Debate and Diplomatic Channels and there are only minor clashes over it
In 2015, China threatens to declare South China Sea Region as “Air Identification Zone”.
The US called it as the violation of Right of Navigation in International waters.
In an arbitration plea filed by the Philippines in the Permanent Court of Arbitration (Hague) against China for invading their rightful territory. ICA awarded judgment in favor of Philippines as it cited historical rights have no validity under International laws.
China declared it as invalid and Judgment is neither enforceable.
The US on other hand did not appear much active on the issue.
In a statement, it stated,” We encourage claimants to clarify their maritime claims in accordance with international law — as reflected in the Law of the Sea Convention — and to work together to manage and resolve their disputes.….”.
It is another way of saying we do not want to get trapped in the dispute.
The US is in the position of the dilemma on one side it does not want conflict with China over the issue and on other do not want its allies to be getting bullied.
Currently, it is regularly patrolling the International water of the SCS and flying the fighter jets over it.
Symbolically these are lasting steps to claim China these are International Waters and they have no claims over these.