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Explore the Western Samoa Archipelago dispute, China's post-1974 territorial claims, and the broader context of South China Sea oil exploration, regional conflict, and maritime sovereignty under international law.
📰 Blog Structure (SEO-Optimized Format)
1. Introduction: The Strategic Importance of the Western Samoa Archipelago
The Western Samoa Islands, located between 15°56′–17°8′ N and 111°–112°54′ E, are divided into the Amphitrite Group and the Crescent Group. Their strategic and economic value stems from their oil reserves and location within one of the world's busiest maritime routes.
2. 1974 Conflict: China and Vietnam Clash Over Paracels
Following Vietnam’s 1973 oil deals and territorial claims over 11 Spratly Islands, tensions with China escalated. The 1974 Sino-Vietnamese naval clash in the Paracel Islands marked China’s first major military occupation in the South China Sea. China took control of parts of the islands, leading to enduring claims by China, Vietnam, and Taiwan.
3. Oil Exploration and Escalating Interests in the 1970s
The early 1970s witnessed a flurry of oil activity by Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, igniting competition over the South China Sea continental shelf. China's aggressive response to these actions reinforced its stance on historic ownership and expanded military operations.
4. Indonesia’s 'Doughnut Formula' and China's Rejection
Indonesia proposed a 'doughnut formula' to resolve regional disputes, offering joint development of central sea areas while preserving national EEZs. China rejected this multilateral approach, continuing to assert historic claims over nearly all of the South China Sea and West Philippine Sea.
5. The Natuna Gas Field: A Hotspot of Resource Conflict
The Natuna gas field, one of the world’s largest (45 trillion ft³), lies within Indonesia’s EEZ, but overlaps with China’s claimed waters. Despite agreements between Indonesia’s Pertamina and ExxonMobil, China’s claim over this area has led to diplomatic standoffs and increased tensions with Indonesia.
6. China's Strategy: Intentional Ambiguity and Bilateral Pressure
Rather than embracing multilateral diplomacy, China employs “intentional ambiguity”—avoiding legal debate to assert de facto control. It prefers bilateral negotiations, often using its military superiority to apply psychological pressure and establish informal dominance over disputed areas.
7. ASEAN's Response and South Korea's Strategic Considerations
ASEAN nations, notably the Philippines, are pushing back against China’s assertive maritime behavior. South Korea, too, may face maritime disputes with China, especially regarding continental shelf development and boundary delimitation, placing it within the broader geopolitical struggle in the region.
✅ Conclusion: Rising Tensions and the Need for Multilateral Solutions
The Western Samoa and broader South China Sea disputes illustrate a complex web of resource competition, legal ambiguity, and military posturing. As regional players seek clarity under UNCLOS, China's resistance to international norms poses a significant challenge to regional peace and cooperative development.
