Description

For China’s national security, sea and land boundary relations with its neighbours are essential. The dispute and tension about conflicting assertions of sovereignty in the South China Sea (SCS) and East China Sea (ECS) have significantly escalated in the last 10 years. The SCS and ECS hold considerable geopolitical importance, influencing China’s diplomatic ties with neighbouring nations. China has reinforced its assertion in the SCS based on the nine-dash line, prioritising it as a central emphasis. Additionally, China has constructed military and civilian infrastructure on contested islands and waterways, demonstrating a progressively assertive position regarding its territorial claims. Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei claim sovereignty over some parts of the South China Sea, either fully or partially, based on their respective interpretations of historical usage and international law in China’s counterpart. However, China and Japan claim possession of a group of uninhabited islands in the East China Sea (ECS) that they call the Senkaku Islands in Japan and the Diaoyu Islands in China. Thus, China frequently experiences escalating tensions with its neighbouring countries, resulting in military tensions and diplomatic issues. Regarding international waters and borders, China is considering both military and non-military strategies to strengthen its national security. As a result, China’s growing military and global political clout worries some other countries. Therefore, the assertions of sovereignty made by China and its neighbouring countries in the SCS and ECS compel them to acquire both defensive and offensive military capabilities.

Keywords: Maritime, Disputes, Military, Security, Power, Defence.