Diplomatic Tensions between the US and China on the South China Sea Issue

Diplomatic tensions between the United States (US) and China over the South China Sea (SCS) issue continue to heat up amidst increasing geopolitical tensions. The South China Sea region has become a focal point of conflict due to overlapping territorial claims between several countries, including China, Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia. This dispute not only involves waters and natural resources, but also affects diplomatic and military relations between major world powers. China claims rights to almost the entire South China Sea based on a nine-dash line map that is rich in potential oil and gas resources. However, historical evidence and international law often challenge these claims. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines and rejected China’s claims, but the Chinese government rejected the law. The US, as part of its broader foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific region, is committed to supporting freedom of navigation and the application of international law. Through freedom of navigation operations (FONOP), the US demonstrated its strong presence by deploying its warships in China’s claimed lanes, warning that it would not recognize unilateral claims that harm regional security. Meanwhile, China responded by intensifying military activities in the region. The construction of artificial islands, military installations and naval maneuvers are part of Beijing’s strategy to strengthen its claims. In this context, it is not only China-US that is involved. Regional alliances such as AUKUS between Australia, the UK and the US, as well as ASEAN cooperation in the security sector, also influence this dynamic. Although dialogue and multilaterality are often offered as solutions, an agreement between the US and China regarding the South China Sea appears far from being achieved. Differences in views regarding the principles of international law, sovereign rights and national interests are a major obstacle. In addition, there are concerns that tensions in the SCS could drag other countries into wider conflicts. On a global scale, these tensions increase strategic rivalry between the two countries. China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea have an impact on the defense policies of other countries, especially those close to the region. Countries such as Japan and India are seeking to strengthen their military cooperation with the US in response to emerging threats from China. With increasingly sophisticated defense technology, including the development of cyber and space capabilities, friction between the two countries on the South China Sea issue will only become more complex. This situation requires careful attention from policy makers to prevent unwanted escalation and seek more constructive diplomatic paths.