China, Philippines agree to lower tensions on South China Sea confrontations

Syllabus: GS-II

Subject: International Relations

Topic: South China Sea, Nine-dash line

Issue: China- Philippines agreement over South China sea.

Context: China and, the Philippines ease tensions in the South China Sea after confrontations, and agree on diplomacy.

Contesting Claims Over Islands:

• Ren’Ai reef (Ayungin Shoal/Thomas Shoal) a key concern.
• Disputed islands: Paracel (China, Taiwan, Vietnam), Spratly (China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Brunei, Philippines), Scarborough Shoal (Philippines, China, Taiwan).

Its impact on India and other parts of the world:

1. The South China Sea is crucial as $200B Indian trade passes though
2. Importance for regional stability, peace, and secure sea routes.
3. Strategically vital as a link between the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Note: The nine-dash line is a set of line segments on maps that represent the claims of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in the South China Sea. The line is also known as the eleven-dash line, the U-shaped line, and the dotted line.