China’s Bid for South China Sea Control
China’s growing aggression in the South China Sea signals its clear intention to assert control over this vital region. The South China Sea control is essential not only for accessing its rich resources but also for gaining significant economic and military leverage.
Geopolitical analyst Don McLain Gill emphasized that China aims “to dominate both sides of the Indo-Pacific,” a region critical to global strategic interests. To achieve this, China must first control the South China Sea, given its pivotal geographic position, he told local sources.
“China is clearly working to implement an exclusionary policy to keep particularly Western countries at bay, ensuring its dominance over sea control in the area,” Gill added.
Dominating Maritime Trade Routes
One major motivation behind China’s push for South China Sea control is its desire to dominate key maritime trade routes. According to data from international energy agencies, the South China Sea holds vast proven and probable oil and gas reserves worth billions, but it is also a crucial global shipping corridor.
Every day, nearly 30 million barrels of petroleum and petroleum products move through this sea lane, accounting for 37 percent of the 76 million barrels transported daily by maritime routes worldwide. This trade route stretches from Singapore and the Strait of Malacca in the southwest to the Strait of Taiwan in the northeast.
More than half of these oil shipments originate from the Middle East (52%), followed by Asia-Pacific (23%) and the Americas (11%). The sea also represents 21 percent of global trade value, estimated at $3.4 trillion in 2016, with China, Japan, Germany, the US, and India as primary beneficiaries.
China’s Growing Commercial Fleet
Dominating the South China Sea is vital for China’s energy security and economic influence. Recent reports show China now operates the world’s largest commercial fleet by tonnage, surpassing Greece and others. This fleet mainly consists of bulk carriers and non-cargo vessels, enhancing China’s trade competitiveness and reducing logistics costs.
Experts warn that if China gains full control over the South China Sea and its maritime routes, the global consequences would be severe. Control could disrupt trade to key economies like Japan and restrict access to technologies vital to the US.
Strategic and Security Implications
Defense analysts note the South China Sea’s economic importance cannot be overstated. It is one of the busiest waterways globally, acting as a critical artery for international commerce. Any disruption caused by China’s dominance could ripple across the global economy, affecting not only neighboring countries but also the wider international community.
Moreover, China’s large commercial fleet could serve a dual role in conflict, supplementing military efforts. US military officials have acknowledged vulnerabilities in their merchant fleet’s size and readiness in case of confrontation.
The US Coast Guard and defense experts highlight that a strong commercial fleet is crucial to national security, supporting military deployments and maintaining economic stability during wartime.
Looking Ahead
As China pushes to tighten its grip on the South China Sea, the stakes rise for maritime trade, regional security, and global economic stability. The sea’s control is central to China’s broader ambitions in the Indo-Pacific, shaping the future balance of power.
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