Why is China insisting on claiming sovereignty over remote islands in the East and South China Sea?
Rival countries have competed against one another in order to claim their territory within the East and South China sea for centuries, and today it carries on.
The argument is about a dispute over territory and sovereignty over the ocean areas, and the Parcels and the Spratlys. These two islands are claimed in whole or in parts by a wide number of countries. The islands are full of rocky outcrops, sand banks and reefs.
The main question is, are the islands worth arguing over? for China, they feel that it is in their legal right to take over these islands and have them to benefit their country. Why would two islands benefit a country? Well, in simplicity, the Chinese believe that the islands have natural resources which for China, is a major advantage. China has been fulfilled by pollution over the years, and with that record, it is to state that they have no natural resources. Countries such as Greece use their islands to make sponges which they gather from the sea. The best products are made from natural material, which is why China want to claim those two islands. The Chinese believe that by claiming the islands they will have a higher guarantee of productivity. China is famous for its manufacturers and with the support of two islands, it will generate more profit for the country.
China do not only require the natural resources, but the easy access they have to sea routes. The two islands have a small route which is easy for the Chinese to ship over their products. They are also the home of fishing grounds where the livelihoods are supplied to people across the region.
China claims by far the largest portion of territory – an area which is defined as the “nine-dash line”. In 1947 it issued a map underlining its claims. Beijing states that its right for the islands to be claimed by their area. The two islands on the map are shown falling in their rightful territory. However, the map is also mirrored by Taiwan. “Countries are insisting that a dubious version of history gives it maritime and territorial rights, and in effect challenging core principles of international law enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea” – The Diplomat by David A. Welch – Published
Vietnam disputes China’s historical accounts and is also in competition with China to claim the two islands. Vietnam hotly disputes China’s historical account, saying China had never claimed sovereignty over the islands before the 1940’s. Vietnam says it has actively ruled over both the Paracels and the Spratlys since the 17th century – and has the documents to prove it – Website bbc.uk: Q&A: South China Sea Dispute – Published 17th April 2015
References:
BBC World Wide News
The Diplomat
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