Over the past few years, China’s wide-scale creation of artificial islands in the South China Sea dramatically transformed the political and territorial landscape of Southeast Asia. However, most of these initiatives were associated with controversies regarding legality and environmental impact, with several other aspects of the process – such as international relations and military policy – attracting attention of multiple stakeholders.
The Philippines remained one of the primary critics of China’s actions and policies, as the South China Sea’s powder keg status affects its own national interests. This paper analyzes various aspects of artificial islands creation by the People’s Republic of China and the Philippines’ multilateral response to them before considering implications for the future of the region and global relations.
Contents
China’s Ambitious Artificial Island-Building Campaign
One of the most important Chinese measures in pursuit of achieving the first objective is the hometogel artificial island-building in the South China Sea. The reefs and atolls of the South China Sea have long been claim objects of multiple nations not only because the area hosts some of the world’s most vital shipping lanes and prolific fisheries but also because it is believed to contain vast oil and natural gas reserves beneath its seabed.
In the case of China, the artificial island construction efforts began in early 2013 and mostly targeted the Spratly Islands archipelago. The Spratlys are partially submerged atolls and reefs claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. Chinese teams used cutting-edge dredging and land reclamation techniques, creating fully-developed islands with expansive military and civilian infrastructure.
For example, Fiery Cross Reef was nothing but a bunch of rocks and shallow water prior to China’s development efforts; now, it has a 3,000-meter airstrip and all the necessary facilities to support various military aircraft . The Chinese government bases its claims to such actions on history and sovereignty over nine-tenths of the South China Sea, as evidenced by the “nine-dashed” line that the local maps use. Such a claim has no legal basis according to international law and has embroiled China’s relationships with its neighbors in considerable controversy.
Legal and Environmental Ramifications
These actions have prompted serious concerns from the rest of the world for two reasons: their blatant disregard for international law and the resulting environmental damage. The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea determines the legal framework for disputes over maritime borders and, as mentioned before, China is a signatory. The following year, a ruling was delivered in what could be the most significant case against China yet: the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague favored the Philippines and refuted China’s claim to historical rights inside the nine-dash line.
Furthermore, the tribunal criticized China for having caused “severe harm” to the environment through coral reef destruction and other forms of disruption. Nevertheless, following China’s customary response to such rulings by pretending they did not happen, there was no change in how the country continued to perform. Such behavior is not only a blatant disregard of international legal practices but also raises concerns over how other territorial controversies could be handled in the future.
At the same time, the environmental devastation caused by these islands being put into place is salient indeed. The dredging procedure used to hoover up massive quantities of sand and coral reef has wreaked havoc on coral reefs, which are important habitats for marine animals. The new islands have disrupted tide patterns and water quality, impacting the availability of fish and the livelihoods of local people who rely on fishing. Finally, the militarization of these sites poses additional significant environmental threats as they raise the possibility of oil spills, pollution, and habitat destruction.
The Philippines’ Pushback: Diplomatic and Military Strategies
The Philippines has been at the forefront of challenging China’s activities in the South China Sea. As one of the primary claimants in the disputed waters, the Philippines has employed a combination of diplomatic, legal, and military strategies to counter Beijing’s assertiveness.
Legal and Diplomatic Efforts
The robust 2016 arbitral ruling provided a significant victory for the Philippines, offering a legal basis to robustly challenge China’s extensive claims. However, enforcing this ruling remains an immense challenge. Seeking to rally international assistance, the Philippines has emphasized upholding the international rules-based order and the importance of international law. It has engaged in proactive diplomacy, cultivating stronger ties with other Southeast Asian countries, Japan, Australia, and notably the United States – all of whom maintain a vested interest in preserving freedom of navigation and overflight across the South China Sea.
Within multilateral organizations including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the Philippines has advocated pursuing a collective approach to addressing the South China Sea disputes. While ASEAN members’ responses have been somewhat tempered due to varying economic reliance on China, a growing consensus has emerged regarding the necessity to manage tensions respectfully under international law and without conflict.
Military and Coast Guard Responses
Furthermore, the Philippine government has also fortified its military resources and conducted more patrols in the maritime area. The Philippine Navy and Coast Guard have been actively engaged in patrolling to survey and patrol Chinese activities while boosting their existence. The Philippine government has additionally aimed to develop its military resources, purchasing new frigates, surveillance planes, and coastal defense systems. The developments ambition to improve the nation’s deterrence capability to handle Chinese intrusions.
Furthermore, the Philippine government has increased security collaborations with other countries, especially its two key allies, the United State. The United States has stringent security that maintains its endorsement to the Philippine protection. The countries’ joint military exercise, Balikatan activity, has also grown in terms of the military activity performed.
Broader Regional and Global Implications
The tensions between China and the Philippines over artificial islands are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of geopolitical competition in the Indo-Pacific region. Several key implications arise from this ongoing confrontation.
Regional Security Dynamics
The intimidation of China in the South China Sea has led to its neighbors reevaluating their security postures and increasing their cooperation with external powers. Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia have, without exception, expressed apprehension about China’s aggression and attempted to improve their maritime capabilities. Additionally, the disputes in the South China Sea have inspired these countries to expand their collaboration with the United States, Japan, Australia, and India owing to their shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
U.S.-China Rivalry
The South China Sea has become a focal point in the broader strategic rivalry between the United States and China. The U.S. has conducted freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) to challenge China’s excessive maritime claims and demonstrate its commitment to upholding international law. These operations, often involving naval warships sailing close to Chinese-claimed features, have led to tense encounters and heighten the risk of miscalculation.
The U.S. has also provided significant military aid and support to the Philippines, reinforcing its alliances and signaling its determination to counterbalance China’s influence. This strategic competition has implications not only for regional stability but also for global security dynamics, as other powers may be drawn into the fray.
Environmental Consequences
The environmental degradation caused by China’s artificial islands has long-term consequences for marine ecosystems and coastal communities. The loss of biodiversity and the disruption of fisheries affect millions of people who rely on the South China Sea for their livelihoods. Addressing these environmental challenges requires concerted international cooperation and robust enforcement of environmental regulations.
Conclusion
The construction of artificial islands by China in the South China Sea and the Philippines’ resolute pushback encapsulate a complex and multifaceted geopolitical struggle. This confrontation has significant implications for international law, regional security, and environmental sustainability.
As the Philippines continues to navigate this challenging terrain, it remains essential for the international community to support a rules-based order, uphold the principles of peaceful resolution of disputes, and work collectively to protect the fragile ecosystems of the South China Sea. The stakes are high, and the outcomes of this geopolitical contest will shape the future of the Indo-Pacific region for years to come. If you enjoyed reading this article, please consider reading our article about Android 15.
