Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The South China Sea (SCS) is a strategically vital region, witnessing escalating territorial disputes involving multiple claimants – China, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. These disputes, coupled with China’s increasing military presence and assertive actions, pose a significant threat to freedom of navigation and overflight, crucial for global trade and maritime security. India, with its substantial trade and energy interests in the region, and its commitment to a rules-based international order, has a significant stake in maintaining peace and stability in the SCS. Consequently, bilateral issues between India and China concerning the SCS have become increasingly prominent, reflecting differing strategic perspectives and growing geopolitical competition.
The South China Sea Dispute: A Brief Overview
The core of the SCS dispute lies in China’s expansive claims based on the “Nine-Dash Line,” encompassing almost the entire sea. These claims clash with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), particularly regarding Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) and the status of islands and reefs. China’s construction of artificial islands, militarization of these features, and assertive actions against other claimants have heightened tensions.
Bilateral Issues Between India and China Regarding the SCS
1. Diverging Perspectives on International Law & UNCLOS
India firmly believes in the sanctity of UNCLOS and the peaceful resolution of disputes through international law and arbitration, as evidenced by its consistent support for the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s (PCA) 2016 ruling against China’s claims (though China rejects this ruling). China, however, prioritizes its sovereignty claims and bilateral negotiations, often disregarding international legal frameworks. This fundamental difference in approach creates friction.
2. India’s Strategic Interests & China’s Presence
India’s interests in the SCS are primarily focused on:
- Freedom of Navigation: Ensuring unimpeded access for Indian trade and naval vessels. Approximately $200 billion of India’s trade passes through the SCS annually (as of 2023 knowledge cutoff).
- Energy Security: Protecting vital energy supply routes, particularly oil and gas imports from the Middle East.
- Regional Stability: Maintaining a stable regional order that supports India’s broader strategic goals in the Indo-Pacific.
China’s growing military presence and assertive actions in the SCS are perceived by India as a challenge to these interests. India views China’s ‘string of pearls’ strategy – a network of ports and infrastructure projects across the Indian Ocean – as potentially extending into the SCS, further encircling India.
3. Cooperation in Maritime Security – Limited Scope
Despite the divergences, there have been limited areas of cooperation. Both countries participate in multilateral forums like the East Asia Summit (EAS) and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) where maritime security is discussed. However, substantive cooperation on SCS-specific issues remains elusive. India has refrained from directly criticizing China’s actions in the SCS in most multilateral forums, opting for a more cautious approach.
4. India’s Engagement with Other Stakeholders
India has strengthened its strategic partnerships with countries that share concerns about the SCS, including Vietnam, Japan, Australia, and the United States. This includes increased naval cooperation, joint exercises, and defense agreements. China views these partnerships with suspicion, perceiving them as part of a containment strategy.
Areas of Potential Conflict & Cooperation
Potential Conflicts: Increased naval deployments, accidental encounters, and differing interpretations of international law could lead to escalatory situations. China’s increasing influence in the Indian Ocean region, coupled with its SCS policies, could further exacerbate tensions.
Potential Cooperation: Collaboration on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations, combating piracy, and promoting maritime domain awareness could provide avenues for limited cooperation. However, this requires a significant degree of trust and political will.
| Issue | India’s Position | China’s Position |
|---|---|---|
| UNCLOS & International Law | Strong adherence; supports PCA ruling | Prioritizes sovereignty; rejects PCA ruling |
| Freedom of Navigation | Advocates for unimpeded access | Asserts control over SCS; restricts access in disputed areas |
| Regional Partnerships | Strengthens ties with like-minded countries | Views partnerships as containment strategy |
Conclusion
The South China Sea remains a complex and sensitive issue in India-China relations. While complete resolution of the disputes is unlikely in the near future, managing the differences and preventing escalation is crucial. India needs to continue advocating for a rules-based international order, strengthening its strategic partnerships, and enhancing its maritime capabilities. A pragmatic approach that combines cautious engagement with a firm commitment to international law is essential for safeguarding India’s interests and promoting peace and stability in the region. The future trajectory of India-China relations will be significantly shaped by how both countries navigate the challenges posed by the SCS.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.