Topic: 2024-The Situatin in the South China Sea
Country: United Kingdom
Delegate Name: Harry Cornell
Seven nations have laid claims to the South China Sea due to its extensive resources and untapped oil reserves. Article 56 of The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) states that a nation’s boundaries extend to within 200 nautical miles of its borders, to create its “exclusive economic zone” (EEZ). China’s claims to its “nine-dash line” were clearly nullified in 2016, when the Philippines brought China to a tribunal – based on international maritime law established in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The Hauge declared “that the Convention [on the Law of the Sea] superseded any historic rights [such as the “nine-dash line”], or other sovereign rights or jurisdiction, in excess of the limits imposed therein.” China refuses to accept the decision, despite being a signatory to the petition. Furthermore, UNCLOS article 58 ensures the freedom of navigation for all civilian ships within an EEZ.
The United Kingdom (UK), under the new Labour government, seeks for a more stable Indo-Pacific region. The UK believes that China has made no valid claim to the South China Sea with respect to the “nine-dash line.” In 2018, when the Royal Navy’s HMS Freedom sailed through international waters in the South China Sea, the Chinese military strongly considered retaliation. British interests require that His Majesty’s ships can sail through international waters without fear of retaliation. This is especially true given the significance of the South China Sea to foreign trade routes. Moreover, the Philippines are a valued ally of the United Kingdom, in January both nations signed an agreement to aid each other in defense, research, and humanitarian aid. The United Kingdom will ensure that its allies, such as the Philippines, may not be harmed by any Security Council resolution.
The (UK) sincerely hopes that detente can be encouraged within the Indo-Pacific. Thus far, the UK has not significantly increased its presence, hoping that relations between nations in the region will cool. However, as Beijing is unwavering in its military presence in zones that are not in accordance with UNCLOS, the UK will ensure that British interests and allies are protected in the region. The delegation from the UK hopes this body can agree to maintain the international boundaries established by UNCLOS. To maintain the safety of foreign trade through the South China Sea, the United Kingdom would like to see the Security Council call upon the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to pass a more expansive code of conduct for nations regarding the South China Sea. Additionally, should any crisis arise in the area, the United Kingdom would like to see the establishment of a UN Peacekeeping Mission to the South China Sea with the goal of protecting civilian ships. Finally, this body should pass a resolution to sanction any nation that violates Article 58 of UNCLOS and attempts to disrupt a civilian ship’s freedom of navigation.
Works Cited
Mensah, Thomas A., et al. “IN THE MATTER OF THE SOUTH CHINA SEA ARBITRATION.” Permanent Court of Arbitration, 12 July 2016, pcacases.com/web/sendAttach/2086.
“PART V EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE.”, The United Nations, www.un.org/depts/los/convention_agreements/texts/unclos/part5.htm.
Reuters. “China complains over British warship sailing through disputed South China Sea.” The Guardian, edited by Reuters, Guardian News & Media Limited, 6 Sept. 2018.
RFA Staff. “New UK government raises question of change in South China Sea policy.” Radio Free Asia, 12 July 2024, www.rfa.org/english/news/southchinasea/uk-labour-china-07122024035631.html.
Starmer, Kier. “Prime Minister Keir Starmer: ‘This is just the beginning of our relationship with the Indo-Pacific to benefit the UK’.” GOV.UK, 26 Oct. 2024, www.gov.uk/government/news/prime-minister-keir-starmer-this-is-just-the-beginning-of-our-relationship-with-the-indo-pacific-to-benefit-the-uk.
