The South China territorial dispute has become a critical international security concern in the recent years. The sea is important for global trade and central to a vital argument (Hayton, 2017). It is an ongoing conflict characterised by military build-ups and continued geo-territorial tensions. Namely, China expanding its territorial claims, creating artificial islands and militarising various notions in this region are at question here. Dispute over possession of multiple states concerning maritime boundaries and resource management among many others like Vietnam ,the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. For instance, this issue goes to the heart of what it means if we consider the “relative” aspect of security or whose safety was vulnerable: China maintains that this section forms part of her strategic interests. In Chinese geopolitical thinking there is a strong belief that the history of China’s past is tied to the historical development of this specific area which explains why there must be a firm boundary between Chinese history and national identity
The maritime security of the domain is controlled by China. Since 1949, China has maintained its position. Gradually, over the years, its position was strengthened by official documents, such as the Declaration on the Territorial Sea. China’s presented a map along with a note which illustrated China’s location lines showing the islands enclosed by nine dash lines, which have since been made the main bine of contention by the Philippines ( Taimon & Jia, pg.4). On one hand, China and its relations reached to an extraordinary level, whereas relations strained between China and southeast asian countries due to South China Sea dispute (Ravindran, 2012). Vietnam proposes a strategy of “corporation and struggle” with china over the maritime dispute. The Vietnamese leaders conveyed with china through government to government negotiations. Vietnam is rising as a middle power and thus realises the potential of access to resources of south china sea.Similarly, rest of the surrounding nations seek to uphold their rights to access resources and ensure their freedom of navigation. This further takes us to the question of “from whom or what are we securing” and by what means. Each nation tries to maintain their boundaries and there is always a sense of insecurity present among these nations. China asserts its militarisation and tries to exert power over the rest of the nations. China’s military presence becomes threatening and causes insecurity to the surrounding nations. Protecting the maritime resources of south china sea is also an important point taken into consideration. The region is rich in fisheries and potential hydrocarbon resources, over which these nations raise their voice and prevent indulging in military conflict. Legal frameworks provided by UN such as, United Nations convention of Law of the Sea, establishes legal boundaries so that nations follow laws and maintain peace among them. The subsequent inquiry arising pertains to “for what purpose” within the context of relative analysis.
Nations steadfastly uphold their respective national sovereignty, with states like Vietnam, the Philippines, and others articulating their apprehensions and requisites for resource accessibility and utilisation. Concurrently, the geopolitical dynamics are influenced by the assertive posturing of dominant powers, exemplified by China's assertiveness, potentially instilling apprehensions among regional stakeholders. Additionally, the involvement of regional actors such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and international bodies like the United Nations underscores concerted efforts toward fostering peace, stability, and the amicable resolution of the South China Sea dispute.Nations steadfastly uphold their respective national sovereignty, with states like Vietnam, the Philippines, and others articulating their apprehensions and requisites for resource accessibility and utilisation. Concurrently, the geopolitical dynamics are influenced by the assertive posturing of dominant powers, exemplified by China's assertiveness, potentially instilling apprehensions among regional stakeholders. Additionally, the involvement of regional actors such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and international bodies like the United Nations underscores concerted efforts toward fostering peace, stability, and the amicable resolution of the South China Sea dispute.
We can also articulate post-colonial and feminist approach as there is a historical context which was led by legacies of imperialism in shaping the boundaries of current landscape and border imposition by colonisers. We can also consider, china as demanding to reclaim its lost territories and regaining its lost powers. The control over maritime itself is a part of de-colonisation process. Taking the feminist approach into account, there is a voice raised for promoting gender inclusive dialogues so that women and marginalised groups can also be part of a discussion.
Environmental feminist advocates for the incorporation of gender perspectives including disruptions in fishing activities. Their argument refers to the traditional gender roles in impacting fisheries are often left upon women who are disproportionately affected by environmental changes. There are several women in developing countries who rely on fishing activities for their living and generation of income. Thus, they demand for policies and regulations which consider the gender dynamics as these disruptions can leave significant socio-economic consequences for them.
On the other hand, feminist security also critiques military strategies, where security for the state is prioritised more than the human security. Their argument also emphasised that such traditional approaches often lead to neglecting threats and challenges faced by marginalised groups, including women (Sjoberg & Gentry, 2007). Thus, there must be measures taken to understand broader perspectives and gendered dimensions of security policies.
In conclusion, considering relativity of security to analyse a global issue, may bring forward the outlook of the issue. However, depending solely on this approach risks maintaining a narrow realist approach which signifies state centric and military interests. With realist perspective focusing on power dynamics and traditional security concerns for the nation, often fail to observe significant aspects including human security and environmental concerns. On the contrary, critical approaches such as postcolonial approach and feminist approach offers values on gendered and colonial dimensions, shedding light on inequalities that shaped the south china sea dispute (Enloe, 2014). Such approaches challenge the traditional notions and highlight the structural injustices affected communities. Similarities can be seen through constructivist approach which sheds light on the significance of identities in shaping the state behaviour and international state. Thus, policymakers and scholars should prioritise more multidimensional perspective for analysing security issues, which includes, human security, gender equality and social justice, for more peaceful and stable development in the region.
References
The south china sea arbitration: a Chinese perspective, Stefan taimon and bing bing Jia
China’s potential for economic Coercion in south China Sea Disputes, Madhu Sudan Ravindran , 2012.
Vietnam’s south china sea territorial disputes: a path to resolution, christoen C. griffin, 2013.
4. The south china sea disputes: Who owns the islands and the natural resources?, Choon - ho Park, 2009
5. Sjoberg, L., & Gentry, C. E. (2007). Mothers, monsters, whores: Women's violence in global politics. Zed Books.
6. Lahsen, M. (2013). Climategate: The role of the Social Sciences. Climatic Change, 119(3-4), 547-558.
7. Enloe, C. (2014). Bananas, beaches and bases: Making feminist sense of international politics.
8. Wendt, A. (1992). Anarchy is what states make of it: The social construction of power politics
9. The south china sea: the struggle for power in asia, Bill Hayton
10. Batongbacal, J. (2018). The South China Sea Dispute: Navigating Diplomatic and Legal Challenges. In J. Batongbacal & A. C. Y. Goh (Eds.)
Hello Yadavee! This was an interesting blog post! You have highlighted the feminist approach on this issue well. While you have acknowledged feminist approaches in the post, a more detailed analysis of how gender dynamics play out in the conflict could be insightful. For example, how does militarization affect women in the region?