American maneuvor in South China Sea
 

South china sea has been bone of contention between USA and China lately. China claimed spartly islands and warned USA not to enter into its territorial jurisdiction - which is 12 nautical miles. USA was very cautious in its approach, but it was always on the cards that sooner or later it will show its muscle, which it eventually did yesterday by sending it vessel into territorial jurisdiction of - China-claimed - spartly island.

South china sea is an important route for trade as 50 percent of the world trade passes through this route.

South China Sea (SCS) is the main issue of China and Philippine hongkong etc which in no way match the power of China.

BRIEF FACTS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF SCS.

1. It facilitates upto 5$ trillion international trade of which, 1.2$ trillion is of USA.
2. It also serves as a key transit rout for the bulk of the energy imports of major Asian economies such as Japan, South Korea and China.
3. Unlike the Persian Gulf, which is also a major transit point for hydro carbon trade, the SCS is vital for global food supply accounting for as much as 10% of the world fisheries supply. So hundreds of people survival is attached.

China sovereinty claims ib the region are bound by a so called "nine dash line" that makeuo about 90% of the SCS.

US while not the party to the issue, involve herself by invoking the United Nation Convention on Law of Seas (UNCLOS) conduct freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs). The purpose of such FONOPs is to dispute the Chinese claim over SCS.

Untill now, no active role have been played by Japan (rival of china and has interest in the issue) and Australia( the strong alley of USA) however, chances can not be ruled out.

The recent FONOPs have been welcomed by Philippine but Hongkong is not happy as she is against any sort of conflict that may occure resultently.

The term " Great power struggle" is attached to this issue which is dangrous not only for the region but for the world also.

China's ambitious moves in SCS is a challange to US dominance however, US should avoid falling into the false narrative of great power struggle and should continue to keep the focus of its operation on the preeminance of law, not strength.