Topic: 2024-The Situatin in the South China Sea
Country: Mozambique
Delegate Name: Amyah Kantz
Since 1946, tensions between the countries near the South China Sea over the islands and nearby waters invoked issues about who has true territorial claims. China has continued to push for expansion regarding the islands. In the early 1970s, China coordinated a seaborne invasion of the islands. This led to the death of several dozen Vietnamese and the sinking of a corvette. Following this, South and North Vietnam tried to reinforce the remaining garrisons and seized several other features. Another dispute was that of 1988 when Bejing moved into the Spratlys, causing the death of numerous Vietnamese sailors. Due to these conflicts, ASEAN and China signed the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, setting guidelines to help maintain peace. Then, China submitted the nine-dash line, causing heightened tensions in nearby countries. Due to tensions, the United Nations (UN) created the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to de-escalate further conflicts and set out rules for interactions in the sea. Currently, disputes are further escalating and there have been aggression by China and other nations over the territory.
Therefore, it is essential to address this conflict. Mozambique recognizes the severity of these disputes. While not directly involved in the conflict, Mozambique is concerned about the trade implications in the South China Sea. The South China Sea harbors important trade routes and natural resources. Mozambique has an important connection with China and diplomatic relations to neighboring countries. Mozambique does not want to see more tensions and disputes in the region and would like to resolve this issue peacefully. Peace and stability will help promote trade relations and make the process of getting through the South China Sea more smoothly and easier. Mozambique is encouraging the UN to handle the matter timely and effectively.
Mozambique would like the UN to promote peace talks and further enforce international trade rules. We want to steer away from potential force and full involvement of the UN, unless completely necessary. Mozambique wants to encourage nations to solve issues with each other rather than a large force pushing into disputes. However, Mozambique urges the United Nations and other international bodies to continue to follow through with enforcement of these regulations. Mozambique is a part of various international agreements and believes that we must encourage nations to follow these rules. On the other hand, Mozambique would like to see nations support the countries in need, in the situation that a dispute occurs. Mozambique is not able to provide resources, but would advocate for able countries to contribute to the safety of the nations involved.
Works Cited
Center for Preventive Action. “Territorial Disputes in the South China Sea.” Global Conflict Tracker, Council on Foreign Relations, 2024, www.cfr.org/global-conflict-tracker/conflict/territorial-disputes-south-china-sea.
Kenny, Miles. “Territorial Disputes in the South China Sea | History, Maps, China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Philippines, Malaysia, & Facts | Britannica.” Www.britannica.com, 28 Feb. 2024, www.britannica.com/topic/territorial-disputes-in-the-South-China-Sea.
Mirski, Sean. “The South China Sea Dispute: A Brief History.” LawFare, 8 June 2015, www.lawfaremedia.org/article/south-china-sea-dispute-brief-history.
