Why is the South China Sea so important to China?

The South China Sea is rich in marine life. Contributing to this abundance are the extensive runoff of nutrient-laden waters from land and the upwellings of water in certain areas of the sea. The sea is heavily fished, however, and is the main source of animal protein for the densely populated Southeast Asian area.

What is the negative relationship of the Philippines to China?

Philippines-China relations have lately been dominated by the territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea, which has escalated since the naval standoff over the Scarborough Shoal in April 2012 and aggravated by issues of Chinese illegal occupation, unlawful establishment of infrastructures, and incidents of …

What is the positive and negative relationship of the Philippines to China?

Bilateral relations between the Philippines and China have significantly progressed in recent years. However, the average trust view of Filipinos towards China is negative 33, dipping much lower in certain provinces such as Zambales and Palawan where it is at least negative 45.

What would happen if China controls the South China Sea?

The South China Sea sees a heavy percentage of world trade that passes through Malacca Strait a part of the South China Sea. India’s 55 \% of trade passes through the Strait of Malacca which opens into the South China Sea. If China controls the region, it will upset the global trade practices and countries like India will directly get affected.

Are the South China Sea disputes today’s Balkans?

In many ways, the South China Sea disputes are today’s version of the early 20th century Balkans, where “some damned foolish thing” can trigger a devastating global conflict without precedence and beyond our wildest imagination.

Why is the United States challenging China’s territorial claims in Southeast Asia?

To protect its political, security, and economic interests in the region, the United States has challenged China’s assertive territorial claims and land reclamation efforts by conducting FONOPs and bolstering support for Southeast Asian partners.

Does India have a legitimate interest in the South China Sea?

India has a legitimate commercial interest in the South China Sea (SCS) region. But India follows the policy of not involving itself in the disputes between sovereign nations. India has been concerned about the security of its trade flows and energy interests in the South China Sea.