Coastal Conflict: How International Law Addresses China's Claims in the South China Sea

Authors

Madeline H. Broshears, Harding UniversityFollow

Publication Date

2024

Subject Area

Section 3: Policies of War and Peace

Abstract

The South China Sea is home to natural resources and reefs that benefit its surrounding states. International law divides these waters to grant certain rights to each coastal state so as to ensure fair distribution of the waters. As of late, China’s actions in the South China Sea frequently violate the distribution of waters under international law. They have infringed upon the Philippine’s waters and attempted to establish authority over most of the South China Sea, rather than remaining within their own waters. Thus, the Philippines filed arbitration against China, and the ruling rebuked China’s behavior in the South China Sea. However, China declared the ruling to be illegitimate, and they continue to violate the designated sea zones by increasing patrols and passing domestic laws that directly contradict the ruling. This conflict continues to escalate, demonstrating that current international law is ineffective in the South China Sea.

About the Author

Madeline Hansen Broshears is a junior Political Science and Bible and Ministry major from Pine Island, Minnesota. She is involved with the American Studies Institute, Pi Sigma Alpha, and the debate team. After graduation, she plans to attend law school and focus on criminal law.