Why This Dispute in South China Sea Matters to America

From The Daily Signal.com (June 8):

Tensions between China and the Philippines are rising in the South China Sea. How this conflict plays out will have long-lasting effects on the power struggle between China and other nations in the region, and larger implications for the U.S. as well.

A total of 220 Chinese militia and fishing boats on March 20 swarmed Whitsun Reef, a coral region in the South China Sea claimed by both China and the Philippines.

Whitsun Reef is situated in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. Established in 1982 by the United Nations, exclusive economic zones give countries complete economic control over the area up to 200 nautical miles from their shores, including official rights to drilling and fishing.

In response to China’s illegally operating its vessels in Philippine waters, the Philippines increased its law enforcement and military presence in the area.

According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, 13 Philippine military vessels made 57 visits to contested areas from March 1 to May 25. In the previous 10 months, only three Philippine vessels visited these areas a few times.

Although the Philippines have intercepted and driven away its ships, China will not stop its intimidation campaign in the region.

Even though communist Chinese aggression in the South China Sea may seem like a distant problem, the U.S. has a lot at stake economically. Left unchallenged, China’s excessive claims could negatively influence global trade.

China wants to increase its dominance in the South China Sea because it is a major trade conduit where one-third of the world’s shipping occurs. The sea is also rich in seafood and oil reserves. [read more]