Chinese Aggression and Maritime Security in the South China Sea
- AP Photo/Joeal Calupitan.
VIVA – Chinese aggression in the South China Sea has become a global focal point, particularly regarding its territorial claims involving several neighboring countries such as the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia. China claims almost the entire South China Sea based on the "nine-dash line," although these claims are not recognized by international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
China's aggressive actions include constructing artificial islands, deploying military forces, and enforcing its claims in ways often deemed provocative, such as interfering with vessels from other countries operating within their exclusive economic zones (EEZs).
The Philippines, as one of the most affected countries, has issued warnings to China regarding the actions of its coast guard, which are considered dangerous. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has asserted that the Philippines will not back down in defending its maritime sovereignty, although efforts to de-escalate tensions continue. He stated that the Philippines' actions would be proportional and that the country does not seek a larger conflict.
Other countries in the region, like Indonesia and Malaysia, are also feeling the impact of China's aggression. Although Indonesia does not have direct claims in the South China Sea, it consistently emphasizes that all claims must align with UNCLOS.
Komodor Jay T Tarriela hadir secara daring pada diskusi Universitas Paramadina
- VIVA/Ainuni Rahmita
China's continued incursions into the exclusive economic zones of other countries raise concerns about potential future conflicts, given the importance of these waterways for global trade and natural resources. Consequently, Paramadina University hosted a discussion titled "China and Maritime Security in the South China Sea: Indonesian and Philippine Perspectives" in collaboration with the Indonesian Sinology Forum on Thursday, July 25, 2024.
The discussion featured various speakers, including Commodore Jay Tristan Tarriela, who currently serves as Chief of Staff for Human Resource Management (CG-1) of the Philippine Coast Guard, Advisor to the Commander on Maritime Security Affairs, and Spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard in the West Philippine Sea.
