Re:History of China's Nine-Dash Line
by niftich on Tuesday July 19, 2016 @01:16PM
(#12123091)
These are excellent points. Obviously, the extend of the claimed area is... 'creative', as in there is no precedent for such a bulbous, remote extension of claimed seas by any other sovereign state. It's disputed by several parties, in claims that are more in line with common international practice.
But given China's island and airstrip buildup in the Spratly Islands, they're determined to project power into this region. The question will come, will anyone other than an international court that lacks the ability for enforcement check them on their maneuvers?
As the parent comment says, if no one is willing to risk nuclear war over a few reefs and fisheries (and the uncertain, vague promise of hydrocarbon extraction), then the status quo will stand, and China is intent on nudging the status quo its way.
But given China's island and airstrip buildup in the Spratly Islands, they're determined to project power into this region. The question will come, will anyone other than an international court that lacks the ability for enforcement check them on their maneuvers?
As the parent comment says, if no one is willing to risk nuclear war over a few reefs and fisheries (and the uncertain, vague promise of hydrocarbon extraction), then the status quo will stand, and China is intent on nudging the status quo its way.