B.4.4 Strategic Value of Oceans and Geopolitical Conflicts Notes

Oceans as Contested Spaces

Strategic Importance of Oceans

1. Oceans are far more than vast expanses of water, they are vital to the global economy, communication systems, and geopolitical stability.
2. Let’s examine the key reasons behind their strategic importance.

1. Transit Routes and Trade Chokepoints

1. Oceans function as the arteries of global trade, with approximately 90% of global trade by volume transported by sea.
2. Within these trade routes, chokepoints, narrow passages connecting larger bodies of water, are especially critical.
3. These chokepoints handle immense volumes of shipping traffic, making them hotspots for both economic activity and geopolitical tension.

2. Undersea Cables: The Backbone of Communication

1. While satellites often grab headlines, undersea cables are the unsung heroes of global communication.

Oceans as Sources of Conflict

1. The strategic value of oceans often leads to disputes over control, access, and resources.
2. These conflicts take various forms, including territorial disputes, competition over resources, and disagreements over shipping lanes.

1. Territorial Disputes Over Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs)

1. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) grants countries the right to an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) extending 200 nautical miles from their coastline.
2. Within this zone, countries have exclusive rights to exploit resources like fish, oil, and gas. However, overlapping EEZ claims frequently lead to disputes.

2. Competition Over Resources

1. Oceans are rich in both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) resources. However, overfishing, pollution, and climate change have strained these resources, intensifying competition.
2. Fishing Conflicts: Overfishing has led to disputes over dwindling fish stocks.

1. Oil and Gas: Offshore drilling is another major source of conflict.

3. Militarization of Disputed Areas

1. When diplomatic efforts fail, countries often resort to militarization to assert their claims.
2. This includes building military installations on disputed islands or increasing naval patrols. Such actions can escalate tensions and heighten the risk of conflict.

Case study

The South China Sea

1. The South China Sea exemplifies how oceans can become flashpoints for geopolitical tension. It is one of the most contested regions in the world.

1. Competing Claims

Several countries claim parts of the South China Sea:

1. China asserts nearly the entire sea through its "Nine-Dash Line," a claim not recognized under international law.
2. Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei base their claims on their EEZs as defined by UNCLOS.
3. At the center of these disputes are the Paracel and Spratly Islands, which are strategically located and potentially rich in resources.

Example

1. China has constructed artificial islands in the Spratly Islands, equipping them with airstrips and military facilities.
2. Vietnam and the Philippines have also fortified their claims through military installations and legal challenges.
3. In 2016, the Philippines brought a case against China to the Permanent Court of Arbitration under UNCLOS.
4. The court ruled in favour of the Philippines, stating that China’s "Nine-Dash Line" had no legal basis.
5. However, China rejected the ruling, intensifying tensions in the region.

2. Geopolitical Impact

The South China Sea’s significance extends beyond the region:

1. Trade: Around 30% of global trade—valued at over $3 trillion annually—passes through the South China Sea.
2. Military Presence: The United States has increased its naval presence in the region, conducting "freedom of navigation" operations to challenge China’s claims. Other countries, such as Japan and Australia, have also voiced concerns.
3. Environmental Impact: The construction of artificial islands has caused extensive damage to coral reefs and marine ecosystems, raising alarms about the environmental consequences of militarization.

Reflection and Broader Implications

1. The South China Sea is just one of many examples of contested ocean spaces.
2. Similar disputes are unfolding in the Arctic, where melting ice is opening new shipping routes and resource opportunities, and in the Persian Gulf, a critical chokepoint for oil exports.

1. Understanding oceans as contested spaces is crucial for tackling the challenges of the 21st century.
2. From trade and communication to resource management and environmental protection, the stakes are high, and the solutions demand global cooperation.