The West Philippine Sea and China: A Complex Geopolitical Landscape

9 min readDec 14, 2023

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The West Philippine Sea, an area in the South China Sea, has become a focal point of geopolitical tensions, particularly between the Philippines and China. This maritime region, rich in natural resources and strategically significant, has witnessed competing territorial claims, disputes over sovereignty, and concerns about freedom of navigation. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the historical context, legal perspectives, geopolitical dynamics, and the evolving situation in the West Philippine Sea concerning China’s role, the Philippines’ stance, and the broader implications for regional stability.

Historical Context

The historical context of the disputes in the West Philippine Sea is complex, involving competing claims and historical narratives from multiple nations. China’s historical perspective is based on its so-called “nine-dash line,” a demarcation on maps that encompasses almost the entire South China Sea, including parts of the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of neighboring countries.

China argues that historical records, ancient maps, and traditional fishing practices support its historical claims to the South China Sea. However, this perspective contradicts the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which outlines clear guidelines for determining maritime boundaries based on the EEZ principle.

The Philippines, on the other hand, asserts its claims in the West Philippine Sea based on UNCLOS, which recognizes sovereign rights within 200 nautical miles of a country’s coastline. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in 2016 that China’s nine-dash line had no legal basis and that certain features in the South China Sea were part of the Philippines’ EEZ.

Geopolitical Dynamics

The geopolitical dynamics in the West Philippine Sea involve multiple actors, including not only China and the Philippines but also other claimant countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei. The region’s significance is heightened by its strategic location, being a vital maritime route for international trade, as well as its vast reserves of fish and potential oil and gas deposits.

China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea, including the construction of artificial islands with military facilities, have raised concerns among neighboring countries and the broader international community. These actions have led to increased tensions, with incidents involving the harassment of fishermen, naval standoffs, and diplomatic protests.

The United States, although not a claimant in the territorial disputes, has played a significant role in the region. The U.S. has conducted freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) to challenge what it perceives as excessive maritime claims by China. The U.S. has also strengthened its alliances and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region, signaling its commitment to maintaining a rules-based international order.

Economic Significance

The West Philippine Sea is of immense economic significance due to its rich fisheries, potential hydrocarbon resources, and its role as a major shipping route. The waters are home to diverse marine life, making it a vital fishing ground that supports the livelihoods of millions of people in the region. Additionally, the sea is believed to hold substantial reserves of oil and natural gas.

China’s interest in the economic potential of the West Philippine Sea has driven its assertive territorial claims and the construction of artificial islands. The presence of military facilities on these islands has raised concerns among neighboring countries and the international community, as it potentially challenges the freedom of navigation and overflight.

The economic implications of the disputes extend beyond the immediate claimants. The stability of the South China Sea is crucial for the global economy, as a significant portion of international trade passes through these waters. Any escalation of tensions or disruption of maritime activities in the region could have far-reaching consequences for trade and commerce.

Philippines’ Stance and Responses

The Philippines, as a claimant state in the West Philippine Sea disputes, has pursued a multifaceted approach to address the challenges posed by China’s assertiveness. The country has employed diplomatic, legal, and strategic measures to safeguard its sovereign rights and uphold the ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

Diplomatic Engagement: The Philippines has engaged in diplomatic negotiations with China to find a peaceful resolution to the disputes. Bilateral talks, facilitated through mechanisms such as the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM), have been initiated to address issues related to maritime security, cooperation, and dispute management.
Legal Action: The Philippines took the bold step of filing a case against China before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2013, challenging the validity of China’s nine-dash line and seeking clarification on its maritime entitlements under UNCLOS. The 2016 ruling in favor of the Philippines clarified certain maritime entitlements and invalidated China’s historical claims.
Multilateral Approach: The Philippines has also pursued a multilateral approach, engaging with regional organizations and alliances to address shared concerns. The country has emphasized the importance of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in fostering regional stability and promoting the peaceful resolution of disputes.
Military and Security Cooperation: Recognizing the need to bolster its maritime capabilities, the Philippines has enhanced its military and security cooperation with allies such as the United States. Joint military exercises and capacity-building initiatives aim to strengthen the Philippines’ ability to protect its maritime interests.
Community and International Support: The Philippines has sought support from the international community, highlighting the significance of upholding international law and the rule of law in resolving disputes. The country has emphasized the role of the United Nations and its arbitral victory as a basis for finding a just and lasting solution to the West Philippine Sea issues.

China’s Perspective and Actions

China’s perspective on the West Philippine Sea disputes is rooted in its historical claims, as reflected in the nine-dash line, and its vision of a regional order shaped by its historical influence. The Chinese government rejects the arbitration ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, asserting that it has no legal basis and refuses to recognize its implications.

China’s actions in the South China Sea, particularly its construction of artificial islands and military installations, have been viewed by many as an assertion of its territorial claims and an attempt to establish de facto control over the contested waters. The deployment of military assets, including naval vessels and aircraft, has heightened concerns about the militarization of the region.

The Chinese government has consistently advocated for bilateral negotiations to address the disputes, rejecting any interference from external parties. While engaging in diplomatic talks, China has also sought to consolidate its position through physical presence and infrastructure development.

Regional Implications

The West Philippine Sea disputes have broader regional implications, affecting not only the claimant states but also the stability of the Indo-Pacific region. Several key factors contribute to the regional significance of these disputes:

Freedom of Navigation: The South China Sea is a critical maritime artery through which a substantial portion of global trade passes. Ensuring freedom of navigation and overflight in this region is essential for international commerce. Tensions in the West Philippine Sea have raised concerns about the potential impact on the free flow of goods and services.
Security Alliances and Partnerships: The disputes have prompted countries like the Philippines to strengthen security alliances and partnerships. The U.S., in particular, has increased its military presence in the region and engaged in joint exercises with allies, signaling its commitment to maintaining regional security and stability.
ASEAN Centrality: The role of ASEAN in managing regional tensions is crucial. The organization has been a platform for dialogue and conflict resolution, emphasizing the importance of adhering to international law and fostering a rules-based order. However, achieving consensus among ASEAN member states, some of which have close ties with China, remains a challenge.
Economic Interdependence: The economic interdependence of countries in the region underscores the need for stability. Disruptions in maritime trade routes or heightened tensions could have adverse economic consequences for multiple nations, affecting industries, supply chains, and overall economic growth.

International Response

The international community has closely monitored developments in the West Philippine Sea and expressed concerns about the potential for increased tensions and the risk of conflict. Several key aspects of the international response include:

Upholding International Law: Many countries and international organizations have consistently emphasized the importance of upholding international law, particularly UNCLOS, as the basis for resolving maritime disputes. The 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in favor of the Philippines was widely seen as a landmark decision affirming the rule of law in the maritime domain.
Freedom of Navigation Operations: The United States, along with other nations, has conducted freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) in the South China Sea to challenge what it perceives as excessive maritime claims. These operations assert the right to navigate and operate in international waters, emphasizing the importance of maintaining open sea lanes.
Calls for Restraint and Dialogue: Numerous countries and international organizations have called for restraint and the peaceful resolution of disputes through diplomatic means. Dialogue, negotiations, and adherence to international legal mechanisms have been advocated to prevent the escalation of tensions.
Arbitration and Adjudication: The international community has supported efforts to resolve disputes through arbitration and adjudication. The ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration was seen as a significant step toward clarifying legal interpretations and establishing a basis for future negotiations.

Challenges and Future Prospects

The West Philippine Sea disputes present complex challenges with multifaceted dimensions. Addressing these challenges and ensuring a stable future for the region requires careful consideration of various factors:

Bilateral and Multilateral Diplomacy: The Philippines, as well as other claimant states, faces the challenge of navigating complex diplomatic waters. Balancing bilateral negotiations with China and engaging in multilateral forums, such as ASEAN, is crucial for fostering regional stability.
International Cooperation: The international community’s continued support for upholding international law and promoting peaceful resolutions is vital. Strengthening international cooperation and encouraging dialogue can contribute to building a consensus on the principles that govern the West Philippine Sea.
Economic and Environmental Sustainability: Sustainable management of the West Philippine Sea’s resources is essential to ensure the economic well-being of the region. Collaborative efforts to address environmental concerns, such as overfishing and the impact of maritime activities on ecosystems, are integral to long-term sustainability.
Strategic Alliances and Security: Strengthening strategic alliances and security partnerships is a priority for claimant states like the Philippines. Building capabilities for maritime security and addressing potential security challenges in the region require ongoing collaboration with like-minded nations.
Role of International Organizations: Regional organizations such as ASEAN and international bodies like the United Nations can play a pivotal role in facilitating dialogue, conflict resolution, and the promotion of a rules-based order. Enhancing the effectiveness of these institutions in managing regional tensions is critical.
Humanitarian and Environmental Considerations: The potential impact of disputes on local communities, particularly those reliant on fisheries, underscores the need to consider humanitarian and environmental considerations. Addressing the welfare of affected communities and mitigating the environmental impact of maritime activities are integral to a comprehensive approach.

Conclusion

The West Philippine Sea, with its historical complexities, geopolitical dynamics, and economic significance, stands at the center of regional and international attention. The disputes involving China, the Philippines, and other claimant states have underscored the challenges of navigating overlapping territorial claims, asserting national sovereignty, and ensuring regional stability.

The Philippines, in particular, has pursued a diplomatic and legal course to address the disputes, emphasizing the principles of international law and seeking a peaceful resolution. China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea, including the militarization of artificial islands, have raised concerns about the potential for conflict and the need for a rules-based order.

The international community, recognizing the broader implications of the West Philippine Sea disputes, has called for the upholding of international law, freedom of navigation, and peaceful conflict resolution. The role of regional organizations like ASEAN and the involvement of key stakeholders, including the United States, have added layers of complexity to the geopolitical landscape.

The path forward involves a delicate balance of diplomatic negotiations, adherence to international legal frameworks, and cooperative efforts to manage the economic and environmental dimensions of the disputes. The West Philippine Sea’s future remains uncertain, but the ongoing dialogue, engagement, and commitment to principles of international law offer a glimmer of hope for a peaceful and stable resolution to the complex challenges that define this critical maritime region.