Discussions

The South China Sea dispute is a long-standing territorial and maritime conflict involving several countries, including China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. At the heart of the issue are overlapping claims to vast areas of the sea, especially the Spratly and Paracel Islands. China bases its claim on a historical map marked by the controversial Nine-Dash Line, which covers nearly 90% of the sea. However, other nations argue their rights under international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The South China Sea holds immense strategic value—rich in oil, gas, and fisheries—and serves as a crucial shipping route. The South China Sea dispute has triggered legal battles, diplomatic tensions, and even military standoffs, raising concerns about regional stability and freedom of navigation in this critical waterway.