Case Study → Tensions Over Territory and Physical Resources - South and East China Seas (Edexcel A-Level Geography): Revision Notes

Case Study → Tensions Over Territory and Physical Resources - South and East China Seas

Context	● China trying to gain a bigger sphere of influence through the Island Chain strategy ○ Trying to control its coastline by also controlling island chains nearby ● China's actions referred to as the Great Wall of Sand ● Has launched aircraft carriers to the islands in 2012, 2019 and likely between 2021-2023 ○ Possibility China is planning further nuclear-powered carriers being launched in the late 2020s ● Seen as a power play to provoke the USA ● Seen as an attempt to gain control of the resource rich area (oil and gas) ● Major trade pinch point
The resopose	● US sent patrol boats
Problems with the policy	● A lot of the areas China wants to occupy are very disputed
Why China wants the islands	● The islands cover areas China see as militarily important to defend ● The islands could be economically important as they may harbour oil and gas reserves
Deserted islands China has occupied	Strategy: To occupy deserted islands and to artificially build larger/new islands ● 2014 • China began construction of a an airport on reclaimed land on Fiery Cross Reef ● 2015 • China began the construction of a port and possibly an airport on Mischief Reef ● 2015 • Subi Reef appeared to be being developed into a Chinese Military base ● On April 2020, China announced the creation of 2 new admin districts in the S China seas (Xisha in the Paracel Islands and Nansha covering the Spartly Islands, both of which are claimed by Vietnam) ○ This significantly raised the stakes in an already tense region

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