Potential Open Conflict in the South China Sea

The contentious rivalry between the US and China in the South China Sea, which is far from conducive, has raised concerns about the potential for open conflict in the region.

The waters of the South China Sea have always been a source of concern for security and stability in Southeast Asia.

In 1947, China unilaterally declared these waters as its territory and marked them with the infamous nine-dash line. This action led to protests from the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam, all of whom also claim parts of the South China Sea as their own.