South China Sea Dispute


United States had sent a guided missile destroyer through waters near the Paracel islands in the South China Sea challenging China's claim to the area in a “freedom of navigation” exercise. China had designated an administrative district for the islands it claims in the South China Sea. This is an escalation of its territorial claims of the region and will increase tensions among Southeast Asian nations which have claims to parts of South China Sea along their maritime borders.

China’s refusal to attend the international court to address the litigation by the government of Philippines regarding the South China Sea dispute may have backfired. By refusing to recognize the international court’s ruling against it, now the international community does not have to recognize the newly established administrative district it establishes. It seems like military confrontation is very likely in the future.

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/us-navy-ship-sails-through-chinese-claimed-waters-in-south-china-sea-12689522

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