82. The Geopolitical Significance of the South China Sea: Part III

1.4. What is at stake?

The South China Sea is one of the world’s busiest international sea lanes. The volume of trade passing through SCS is a testimony to the fact. Maintaining freedom of navigation in the region is of utmost priority. Moreover, China’s claim to the South China Sea is dangerous. Circumnavigating the SCS would drive up commercial shipping costs. Moreover, trade ties with the ASEAN countries, bilateral and multilateral, are also at stake here. 

Secondly, the military build-up in the region is leading to a power imbalance in the region. In response to china’s militarization efforts, the neighboring countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia too have led military buildups and increased arms trade with countries such as Russia and India. The military build-up is a threat to the peace and security of not just the SCS region, but also the world. 

Third, the international rule of law is at stake. The oceans and seas of the world are part of the global commons, and not any state has any claims over these. If the rule of law, especially, the UNCLOS is not respected in the South China Sea today, then there is a possibility that international law could be threatened tomorrow in other global commons. 

1.5. India and the SCS:

The South China Sea is important to India. The dispute has greater repercussions on the already severed India-China relationship. Almost 55% of India’s trade passes through the Strait of Malacca and the South China Sea. SCS is extremely important for India’s energy security. This is particularly true when it comes to the acquisition of hydrocarbons. Hence, freedom of navigation is extremely crucial for Indian trade.

India’s look east policy has strengthened relations with the ASEAN countries. There have been efforts to increase the bilateral trade among these countries. India already shares good economic relations with the regions in the South China Sea. Disruptions in the sea lanes of communications in the SCS region will affect economic relations with these regions too. 

India’s naval presence in the region has also seen a significant rise since 2014. In Indo-Pacific, India wants to be known as a credible security provider. India has adopted a forward maritime presence in the region wants to safeguard maritime security in the region and freed of navigation per UNCLOS. India’s interference in the region is welcomed by all ASEAN states, except China.

In conclusion, SCS is part of India’s extended neighborhood. It has critical geo-economics, geostrategic and geopolitical significance with a direct bearing on relations with the stakeholders. India is seen as a vital actor in the region, and the countries of ASEAN are keen to partner with India, economically and militarily. 

Source: Daily Express UK