Should China Take a More Cooperative Approach to the Territorial Conflicts in the South China Sea? (PDF)

Studienarbeit aus dem Jahr 2017 im Fachbereich Politik - Region: Südasien, , Sprache: Deutsch, Abstract: In the South China Sea, overlapping territory, maritime and economic claims are the reason for political tension. It is one of the most contested maritime areas in the world. On the seabed, large oil and gas deposits are expected to exist, there are rich fishing grounds and many important trade routes cross the South China Sea. Due to this, also non-claimant nations like the United States want the South China Sea to remain International Waters - to ensure the "Freedom of Navigation", based in the International Law. The growing Chinese sphere of influence is observed with concern and China as a whole is perceived as a potential threat for the littoral states on the one and the United States on the other hand. Conversely, China accuses these states for claiming an area, which is Chinese territory since ancient times. This thesis examines the existing policy options the Chinese government can apply to reduce the insecurities in the region and to find possible arrangements with the neighboring states. Above all, the question is if China should take a more cooperative approach to the territorial disputes. First, the origins of the conflict will be highlighted, followed by an analysis of the policy options escalation and cooperation. States involved in territorial and maritime conflicts such as the South China Sea dispute have the opportunities to cooperate or to escalate - both options can appear in various forms. At the end of this thesis, there will be one suggested political strategy for the Chinese government to operate in this stretch of water.