Ujung Pangkal Sengketa Laut China Selatan, Siapa Paling Berhak?

Summary

The transcript discusses the ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, involving China and several ASEAN nations, including the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Brunei. The conflict centers on China's claim over 80-90% of the region, marked by the controversial 'nine-dash line'. The script highlights the historical background of the dispute, the conflicting interpretations of international law, and the significance of the 2016 arbitration ruling. The tensions over sovereignty and maritime rights continue to impact regional stability, with hopes for resolution during the upcoming ASEAN summit in Jakarta.

Takeaways

• 😀 The South China Sea dispute is a significant topic at the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, with countries like the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Brunei involved in the conflict with China and Taiwan.
• 😀 China claims 80-90% of the South China Sea area, citing a historical 'nine-dash line' that was first recorded on Chinese maps after World War II in 1947.
• 😀 A new Chinese map released in August 2023 added a tenth dash, further expanding China's territorial claims, including Taiwan.
• 😀 The name 'South China Sea' has historical roots dating back to the 16th century when European traders named the maritime route connecting Europe to East Asia, including China.
• 😀 The term 'South China Sea' does not imply ownership by China, similar to how the Indian Ocean is not considered to belong to India.
• 😀 The South China Sea is also known as the 'Champa Sea' in reference to the ancient Champa Kingdom of Vietnam, which ruled from the 2nd to the 17th century.
• 😀 Different countries refer to the waters differently: Vietnam calls it the Eastern Sea, while others use terms like the Natuna Sea in the northern parts.
• 😀 The controversy is compounded by overlapping maritime zones like the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), established 200 nautical miles from a country's coastline, where states have rights over natural resources.
• 😀 China has engaged in land reclamation and military infrastructure building in disputed areas like the Paracel and Spratly Islands, despite the 2016 international court ruling that such actions do not grant territorial rights.
• 😀 The 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration confirmed that artificial islands do not qualify as sovereign land, and that China’s actions in the South China Sea contradict international law.
• 😀 Despite this ruling, the territorial dispute remains unresolved, and the conflict continues to escalate, potentially affecting regional security, including Indonesia's interests.

Q & A

What is the primary issue discussed in the ASEAN Summit related to the South China Sea?

The primary issue discussed at the ASEAN Summit is the territorial disputes in the South China Sea, involving several ASEAN countries such as the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Brunei, as well as China and Taiwan.

How did the South China Sea dispute originate?

The dispute originated after China claimed 80 to 90% of the South China Sea based on a boundary line called the 'Nine-Dash Line,' first presented on Chinese maps in 1947. In August 2023, China added another dash to make it a 'Ten-Dash Line,' claiming Taiwan as part of its territory.

Why is the South China Sea named as such, and does it belong to China?

The name 'South China Sea' dates back to the 16th century when European traders marked the sea route to East Asia and China. Despite the name, the South China Sea is not necessarily China's territory, similar to how the Indian Ocean isn't owned by India.

What alternative names are used for the South China Sea in different countries?

In countries like Vietnam, the Philippines, and Brunei, the sea is referred to as the East Sea, while it is also known as the Champa Sea, named after the Champa Kingdom that ruled in the region from the 2nd to the 17th century.

What legal framework governs maritime claims in the South China Sea?

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is the legal framework that governs maritime claims, including Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) extending 200 nautical miles from a nation's coast, granting rights over marine resources.

What is the significance of Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) in the dispute?

EEZs are significant because they give coastal states exclusive rights over the natural resources in waters up to 200 nautical miles from their coastlines. This includes fishing rights, oil exploration, and other marine resources, which are contested in the South China Sea.

What are the Spratly and Paracel Islands, and why are they important in the dispute?

The Spratly and Paracel Islands are contested islands in the South China Sea, with several nations claiming sovereignty over them. These islands are strategically important due to their location, natural resources, and potential for military development, such as China's construction of airstrips and ports.

What was the outcome of the 2016 arbitration ruling regarding the South China Sea?

The 2016 arbitration ruling determined that China's reclamation of artificial islands in the South China Sea did not grant them territorial rights. It also clarified that no land in the Spratly Islands qualifies as an island under international law, limiting China's claims to maritime zones.

What role did the International Court of Justice (ICJ) play in the South China Sea dispute?

While the ICJ is not directly involved in the territorial disputes of the South China Sea, it could potentially play a role in resolving issues of sovereignty and maritime boundaries. The 2016 arbitration ruling did not grant any country the right to determine sovereignty, leaving it to international courts like the ICJ.

How does the ongoing South China Sea dispute impact ASEAN and the region's security?

The ongoing South China Sea dispute presents a significant security risk for ASEAN countries, potentially escalating tensions and affecting regional stability. The ASEAN Summit aims to find solutions to prevent further conflict, which could also have implications for Indonesia's security and broader regional peace.