The South China Sea is a semi-closed sea located in the Southeast Asian. This marine area stretches for about 1,200 nautical miles and is between 550 and 650 nautical miles wide, covering an area of more than 3 million square kilometers. This region is strategically important because it is an important shipping route for international trade that crosses the Asian region and the world, connecting the two oceans, the Indian and Pacific oceans. This sea is directly bordered by a number of countries, namely the Philippines, Brunei to the east, Vietnam to the west, Malaysia, Indonesia, the People's Republic of China (PRC), and Taiwan to the north.
It is estimated that more than one-third of the world's trade crosses these waters each year, including the transportation of crude oil, natural gas, and various other essential commodities. Economically, the South China Sea is rich in natural resources such as oil and natural gas, and has abundant fishing potential. According to estimates by the United States Energy Information Administration (EIA), the South China Sea holds about 11 billion barrels of oil and 190 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, making it one of the most valuable and strategic regions in the world.
This has caused the South China Sea to become the center of attention and competition of various countries, both ASEAN countries and large countries such as China and Taiwan. Strategically located, the South China Sea plays an important role not only for the surrounding countries, but also for the economy and international security as a whole.
The Main Causes Â
China claims nearly 90% of the South China Sea through  the vast "Nine Dash Line" which is very broad and not internationally recognized, while ASEAN countries such as the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei also claim parts of the territory under international maritime law. This claim contradicts the claims of other countries that also consider the region to be part of their exclusive economic zone.
In addition to territorial claims, the strategic position of the South China Sea as an international shipping lane is also a major factor, because this region is very geopolitically important which has become a global trade route so that major countries such as the United States, also have an interest in maintaining freedom of navigation and regional stability. The value of trade that passes through this region reaches trillions of dollars every year, the South China Sea is also rich in natural resources such as large oil and gas reserves, this economic potential adds to the attractiveness and increases the intensity of territorial disputes.
Furthermore, tensions are exacerbated by the aggressive military activities and patrols of Chinese coast guard vessels. China builds artificial islands and military facilities in the Spratly and Paracel Islands, including runways and military bases, and regularly conducts military exercises and patrols in disputed areas. China's coast guard vessels frequently engage in intimidating acts such as firing water cannons, ramming fishing boats and patrolling other countries, and blocking access by Philippine and other countries vessels to the territory they claim.
Impact on ASEAN Countries and the Region
This tension has a significant impact on ASEAN countries that have territorial claims. China's unilateral claims and aggressive actions pose a serious threat to the sovereignty and security of these countries. The dispute has also fueled increased diplomatic and military tensions, with frequent incidents such as ship interceptions and clashes in disputed waters, potentially escalating into open conflict and worsening relations between countries.
