Topic: Territorial Dispute in the South China Sea
Country: Japan
Delegate Name: Benjamin Oostendorp
School: East Grand Rapids High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Japan position papers GLIMUN 2015 committees
Because the South China sea is full of resource-rich islands and important trade routes, it is one of the most desirable areas in Asia. Oil, fish, and natural gas are just some of the highly profitable natural resources that come out of this sea. China’s claim to the territory has long been disputed, because it clearly goes against the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in numerous aspects. China's heavy military presence, artificial islands, and use of the natural resources go against several of the articles, such as article 17, article 56, and article 123. Although Japan would like to promote the continuation of peaceful relations with China, their lack of cooperation with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea is making it difficult to maintain the relationship that has been so volatile throughout history.
One of Japan’s biggest allies, the United States, has taken initiative and sent ships into the South China Sea to exercise their right to an innocent passage, and we support this decision fully. Japan does not have an offensive military, but rather one created solely for Japan’s self defense. Therefore, Japan is able to send coast guard vessels, but no true warships. We are also supportive of the United States’ desire to keep trade flowing through the sea. Many of the smaller nations near the sea depend on the commerce that flows through the South China Sea. Countries like South Korea, Vietnam, and the Philippines all back the United States, and Japan therefore supports the United States’ efforts to keep trade in the South China Sea free.
Regarding the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Japan believes that this convention is comprehensive enough, and that the problem in the South China Sea lies in its enforcement. This document very clearly states the expected boundaries and limitations applicable to each nation involved in the conflict. Japan believes the document is thorough enough to act as a mediator in this conflict, if all its rules are followed. Japan agrees with the United States, in that China’s militaristic artificial islands in the Spratly Islands and their surrounding waters are not legal by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. If China controls the center of the South China Sea, they would effectively control the whole sea and its trading rights. Most territorial disputes end in one nation strong-arming another out of the area, and we must prevent China from doing this. The United Nations must force China to draw back their military advances on the artificial islands, and keep the South China Sea free.
