New Developments in the Paracel Islands

In its most recent Freedom of Navigation Operation (FONOP) in the South China Sea, the United States sent one of its destroyers within a 12 nautical mile radius of the Paracel Islands. The islands belong to an archipelago claimed by multiple countries, including China. Legal rationale aside, these operations, especially when considered alongside ongoing Chinese island construction and militarization efforts, create continued tension between the two powers. Both powers see the prize as essential to their future security, with China demanding respect of what it claims as its territorial sovereignty and the United States unwilling to yield control of one of the world’s most trafficked trade routes. Thus far, these FONOPs have been conducted without incident beyond harsh rhetoric from Beijing.

That is not to say that the issue must be disregarded. This buildup of tension seems very similar to the ones that led to some of the most devastating wars and other conflicts in history. Although neither side has made a seriously hostile move against each other yet, an eruption of violence is still possible. Therefore, this matter should be handled effectively in order to make sure that deescalation happens promptly and that the two powers are able to work towards a more harmonious relationship.