ISDEI Instituto de Seguridad, Defensa y Estudios Internacionales

  Expanded Analysis of the South China Sea Tensions Strategic Importance of the South China Sea The South China Sea is one of the world's most strategically important and contested regions. Covering approximately 3.5 million square kilometers, it serves as a critical maritime corridor, with about one-third of global shipping passing through its waters. This includes significant volumes of oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) destined for East Asian economies, making the region vital for global energy security. Additionally, the South China Sea is believed to hold vast reserves of untapped natural resources, including an estimated 7 to 11 billion barrels of oil and 190 trillion cubic feet of natural gas​ ( The Asia Live ). China's Assertive Claims and Actions China claims approximately 90% of the South China Sea, a claim demarcated by the so-called "Nine-Dash Line." This line, which appears on Chinese maps, covers a vast area of the sea, including waters near the coasts

  Global Geopolitical Landscape on August 23, 2024 1. The South China Sea Tensions The South China Sea remains a highly volatile region, continuing to be a major point of contention in global geopolitics. China's assertive claims over this strategic maritime area, which it demarcates with the controversial "Nine-Dash Line," have been met with increasing resistance from neighboring countries such as Vietnam and the Philippines. The United States has intensified its involvement in the region, conducting Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs) to challenge China's expansive claims and support the principle of free passage in international waters. These actions have led to heightened tensions between the U.S. and China, exacerbating the already complex dynamics of the region. The disputes over these waters are not only about territorial sovereignty but also about control over vast reserves of natural resources, including oil and gas, which are crucial for the energy sec