Confrontation vs. Cooperation: Contention in the South China Sea
Over the past decade the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has continued to expand its influence as a world power through its military and economic force. One area of much contention is the South China Sea where the PRC has been involved in ongoing territorial disputes. The Chinese government has long held a vested interest in the South China Sea due to its abundant resources, strategic location, and historical significance. The South China Sea contains vital trade routes, is home to lucrative fisheries as well as oil and gas reserves. These factors have contributed to the ongoing dispute between China and other countries in the South China Sea. Since 2014, the PRC has acted aggressively in the region going so far as to claim as much as five-million square kilometers of the South China Sea as its own territory, while also creating a considerable number of artificial islands that they have now outfitted with military installations. The current situation has implications for global trade and the Chinese government’s actions have drawn criticism from the international community, especially those Asian countries bordering the sea.
Meet the Student: John Carrington
John Carrington is a senior from Menlo Park, California studying in finance in the Mendoza College of Business. He took Professor Jensen’s Approaching Asia course in order to learn more about the complex political and cultural landscape of Asia. The course being a seminar allowed for thoughtful conversation on many key issues throughout the semester. John’s paper is about China’s action in the South China Sea and how the steps China has taken in attempt to gain sovereignty over these waters. He wrote about this topic to raise awareness for this crisis because it is a current and increasingly pressing issue that does not receive adequate news coverage. Feel free to contact John at jcarring@nd.edu if you are interested in learning more.