Topic: Territorial Dispute in the South China Sea
Country: South Korea
Delegate Name: Maya Trowe
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All South Korea position papers GLIMUN 2015 committees
The territorial dispute in the South China Sea has been a worldwide issue for decades.The fight for the body of water and the two islands chains, Paracels and the Spratly, has been a continuous issue between Philippines, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, and Vietnam. The sea is full of substantial fisheries and contain many important shipping routes. Along the shoreline there is also oil and natural gas reserves. Each of these countries believe the sea and the islands are theirs to claim. As delegates each representing a different country, it is our responsibility to create a peaceful resolution for this long lasting conflict.
South Korea plays a huge role in South China Sea Dispute. South Korea’s economy in the last decade has been dependent on their exports. Exports account for over half of the country’s GDP. Last year, China accounted for over a quarter of South Korea’s total exports. China has been assisting South Korea by shipping their exports using the South China Sea. The United States, South Korea’s long time ally, stands on the opposite spectrum as China. They fully support the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS, stating the limitations, restrictions, and rights of a country within 23 miles of the sea who intend to utilize the territory. China has ratified UNCLOS. South Korea does not want to risk destroying this new partnership with China by siding with the United States, for a decline in their economy might result. South Korea is angered by the news the United States and Japan are working together on their bilateral defense treaty. The threat of the United States revoking their assistance with South Korea’s defense military is also at stake. South Korea wishes not to anger the US and Japan, both significant trading partners with Korea. The country has found itself at a crossroad, deciding whether who to side with. The Republic of Korea at this time takes a neutral position.
Many conflicts have arisen from the territorial dispute. South Korea suggests moving forward on the implementation of the Declaration of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, a treaty between the southeast Asian countries and China encouraging a trusting, peaceful solution to the territorial dispute of the South China Sea. This dispute is in dire need of being resolved and it is up to us as delegates to create a resolution.
