West Philippine Sea Dispute Endangers Marine Ecosystems

Swift Summary

• The South China sea and the recently declared West philippine Sea have been under territorial dispute for decades.
• China has constructed artificial islands in the contested region to assert dominance.
• Multiple nations, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan, have escalated naval patrols in response to these territorial claims.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The ongoing disputes over the South China Sea underline significant geopolitical tensions that could ripple across Asia. India’s strategic interests lie in maintaining a stable Indo-Pacific order for uninterrupted trade routes and regional cooperation. These developments amplify calls for adherence to international maritime laws under UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea). For India specifically, a proactive yet diplomatically neutral stance may help protect its navigation rights while fostering goodwill among ASEAN countries with vested interests in this conflict.

Read More: Science.org