Draft:China's Evolving Claims In The South China Sea

China has begun constructing artificial islands in the South China Sea. However, it has faced criticism by the international community given the illegal nature of this behavior. The United Nations Conventions on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in article 60(8) states that " “They have no territorial sea of their own, and their presence does not affect the delimitation of the territorial sea, the exclusive economic zone or the continental shelf. As such, the territorial consequences that land usually enjoys over the sea do not accrue to artificial islands.” Therefore, making the creation of these islands illegal under international law. China has created these islands by means of dredging on top of already existing reefs or rock formations. This has proven to be disastrous to local fish populations and has sparked concern for environmentalists. However, the main goal of these islands are not to use them for natural resources but instead as a means of strategic military positioning. The Spratly islands are where China has directed much of its attention and has already fully militarized at least three islands in the Spratly Island Chain. This has caused great concern for ASEAN states including the Philippines, Japan, and Tawain. The U.S. who is also a major presence in the region has expressed concern over China's actions and have begun to ramp up maritime efforts to deter the Chinese. China however feels it has a right to claim these islands as they have been part of China for thousands of years. China's control over this area will give them unprecedented control over the South China Sea which sees trillions of dollars in trade years pass through its waters.