The South China Sea - 1638 Words

The Environment The South China Sea, a body of water located in the western Pacific Ocean, borders many nations within East and Southeast Asia such as China, Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia. The topography of the region varies widely. One of the major defining features of the South China Sea is its deep sea basin located in the east which includes reef-filled shoals and sandbanks. These shoals also span the south and northwest regions. While the continental shelf drops sharply towards the eastern side of the basin, the shelf remains broad and shallow towards the northwest side. The south region consists of layers of littoral sediments either composed of clay or volcanic ash, found primarily due to the previous volcanic eruption. The climate of the entire region is tropical, thus incredibly hot and humid, and controlled primarily by the monsoons. Lastly, the vast number of connecting channels, for example the Taiwan Strait and the Luzon Strait, are of utmost importance. Natural Resource Although the South China Sea is located between many countries that claim parts of its waters, it is generally agreed that the sea covers the Spratly islands and the waters surrounding them. The South China Sea lies home to many lucrative resources such as fish and the possibility of oil, but perhaps its most powerful and compelling resource is its location and status as a popular transportation route for trade vessels. A recent study by the SAIS review of International AffairsShow MoreRelatedThe South China Sea Essay1889 Words   |  8 Pages As of today, China has expanded and built over seven artificial islands in the South China Sea since 2014. The South China Sea has recently come to be a major problem in Asia as issues have risen over who has rights of passage and claims in this area. The Chinese of recent have been making territorial claims in the South China Sea that are in areas of free passage for many other Asian countries and the United States. In October 2015, a U.S. guided missile destroyer encountered one of the artificialRead MoreThe South China Sea Essay1816 Words   |  8 PagesSince the 3rd Century AD, the South China Sea has been home to countless territorial disputes between China, the Philippines, Vietnam, and other East Asian Nations. This region is so contentious because it is one of the busiest trade routes, and is home to vast natural resources. Because of the long and dense history of them, these disputes are some of the most difficult events to understand and interpret in international relation s. Because the disputes deal with relative power, and the securityRead MoreChina Missile Of The South China Sea937 Words   |  4 PagesChina deploying missiles in the South China Sea Since September 2015, China has begun to increase the arming of the islands in the South China Sea on the islands that China claims belongs to them. 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Now the South China Sea is a battleground for the resources it holds, and oneRead MoreTerritorial Disputes Within The South China Sea1404 Words   |  6 Pagesin the South China Sea Background Following the cessation of the Cold War, a massive territorial dispute erupted over two island chains in the South China Sea (SCS), the Paracels and the Spratleys. Those nations disputing their rightful ownership include China, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, and Taiwan. The source of the conflict in this area stems from the geographical location and the natural resources to be gained through their ownership. According to the World Bank, the sea contains