The South China Sea has emerged as a central arena for maritime hegemony and geopolitical conflict, especially in the context of rising tensions between China and the United States. At the heart of the issue lie overlapping territorial claims over four key island groups, particularly the Spratly Islands and Paracel Islands, with China asserting broad historical rights over the region.

Spratly and Paracel Islands: Disputed Sovereignty

  • The Spratly Islands are claimed, either in whole or in part, by China, Vietnam, Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei, with most parties maintaining a military presence on the islands they control.

  • The Paracel Islands have been at the center of dispute between China and Vietnam since 1956. After France's withdrawal, South Vietnam claimed sovereignty, but China seized the western portion of the islands in 1974 through military force and now exercises de facto control.

These contested claims have made the South China Sea a hotspot for potential armed conflict in the Asia-Pacific region.

U.S. Involvement and Strategic Concerns

The United States has become a key player in the region, often intervening—directly or indirectly—on behalf of countries opposing China's growing regional dominance. Through naval strategy, joint exercises, and Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs), the U.S. aims to ensure open sea lanes and maintain the international maritime order.

China’s Historical Claims and Maritime Ambitions

China bases its claims on historical usage dating back to the Han Dynasty, asserting that its sailors used the South and West Philippine Islands for centuries. In 1978, China officially declared these territories and the surrounding waters, including their energy and mineral resources, as part of its sovereign domain.

To strengthen its claim, China has constructed artificial islands and expanded its military infrastructure, turning what were once passive claims into active assertions of maritime control.

Maritime Sovereignty as National Identity

For countries involved, including China, Vietnam, and the Philippines, the dispute goes beyond legal or strategic considerations—it’s deeply tied to nationalism and sovereignty, making diplomatic resolution increasingly complex.

U-Shaped Line and Regional Domination

China's infamous U-shaped line (or nine-dash line) enables it to claim nearly the entire South China Sea, posing a direct challenge to U.S. maritime dominance in East Asia. This approach reflects an aggressive posture, especially since the 2000s, as China enhances its naval presence and uses economic influence to support its regional ambitions.

Similarities to the Yellow Sea Strategy

China’s maritime behavior in the Yellow Sea (West Sea) mirrors its South China Sea policy—characterized by non-cooperation on maritime jurisdiction and close monitoring of ROK-U.S. military alliances. This consistent strategy underlines China's efforts to reshape the regional order in its favor.

Power Transition Theory in Action

These dynamics correspond to Stage 3 of Kugler and Zeiger’s Five-Stage Theory of Great Power Conflict, where an emerging power (China) actively challenges the existing hegemon (United States). The confrontation in the South China Sea thus becomes part of a broader strategic rivalry between the two powers.