Topic: 2024-The Situatin in the South China Sea
Country: Algeria
Delegate Name: Nikhil Talla
The South China Sea’s geopolitical tensions result from overlapping territorial claims, resource competition, and military activities within the region. The conflict arises because of the South China Sea’s shipping routes, abundant fish stocks, and significant reserves of oil and gas. This region is highly contested by China, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia, and multiple nations in this list defy international law by establishing outposts within other nations’ Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). These nation’s conflicting interests and the construction of air and naval bases on the Paracel and Spratly Islands has attracted international attention because of potential military escalation due to the United States’s military agreements with the Philippines.
The People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria recognizes the People’s Republic of China’s historical ties and legitimate claims to the South China Sea. Algeria acknowledges China’s efforts to protect its sovereignty and ensure stability in a region vital to global trade and economic development. China’s actions, including the establishment of air and naval bases on islands like Fiery Cross Reef and Subi Reef, are measures aimed at safeguarding its territorial rights, ensuring freedom of navigation, and supporting the development of the region’s resources. However, Algeria suggests that China’s actions to prevent other nation’s establishment of military outposts outside of what is protected by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) should be deescalated, only to reduce the potential for conflict between the United States and China. Economic instability due to the outbreak of war would greatly affect Algeria’s exportation of oil and natural gas due to potential for oil and gas infrastructure to be replaced with competing energy interests, creating instability in oil and gas markets. This level of war would also force Algeria to sever relations with economic partners such as China and the United States. Algeria relies on China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for infrastructure investment and on the United States’s market for Algerian hydrocarbons.
The People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria strongly advocates for peaceful collaboration among nations to deescalate military activities within the South China Sea. Algeria opposes the imposition of sanctions because they only strain diplomatic relations and do not foster resolution. Algeria also advises against the deployment of peacekeeping forces to prevent escalating tensions. Algeria encourages dialogue-driven initiatives that prioritize mutual trust and regional stability. By reducing military actions and fostering cooperation, nations in the South China Sea can maintain economic prosperity and geopolitical stability.
