Oceans
There has long been a collection of laws and treaties that
address how the world’s oceans and waterways are managed. Additionally, many countries enforce
air defense zones over water they have claimed. There are international treaties, global agreements,
regional agreements, and even water specific treaties. Yet this system is under unique
challenges. As technological
advancements are made in extracting resources from oceans and seas, countries
are engaged in expanding territorial claims.
The Western Pacific Ocean and South China Sea are the
location of a simmering international issue. India, Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, Philippines, Brunei,
Indonesia, Malaysia, and China are now contesting long held territorial
claims. Beyond the historically established
spheres of influence and territorial claims that each country in the world has
right to, there are new claims that hold great geo-political implications.
Who has the right to exploit the oil, and other natural
resources abundant in this region? The answer may well determine the economic and military
future for these (and other) countries
for many years to come. All
countries have interest in this resolution for future such claims they may
themselves make, and immediate interest based on trade partners, and their
collective economies.
The map below shows just how volatile this region is
becoming.
Territorial Claims in South China Sea
Six
countries claim conflicting territorial rights in the South China Sea, a region
rich in oil, gas, fishing and mineral resources. See the link:
Thus the
question before the conference is, “How should claims to natural resources in
international waterways, and all future such claims, be resolved?
1. Should territorial claims be awarded
to the country that first laid claim?
2. Should territorial claims be awarded
based on historical precedent? (if
so, how far back is appropriate?)
3. Is a new, reasonable and just
resolution system best, and what should it be, given the technological
capabilities the world has today?
Webster 1
ReplyDeleteMakenzie Webster
Mr. Powell
IHS Global History
31 March 2015
India’s Position in the Issue ‘Oceans’
As of the 31st of March 2015, the country of India, supports position three: for a new, reasonable system based on the technological capabilities the world has today on the issue of Oceans.
India would like to have good relations among countries they share waterbodies with (Sri Lanka, Mauritius, ect.), as they are crucial for India’s security and economic concerns. “. . . India needs multipliers for its strategic efforts if it is to keep up with China-- which has been assiduous in cultivating Indian Ocean countries through Beijing’s unrivaled talent for building major infrastructure projects across the region. . .”(World Post). India feels threatened by its neighboring powerful competitor, China, who has territorial disputes in the South China Sea and is now targeting regions in the Indian Ocean. India also feels the need to reestablish affirmation to other countries, its presence and support in the Indian Ocean. Naval activity will increase due to the interests in the oceans, resources, and technological capability in oceans like the Pacific and Indian Oceans through which 40 percent of the world’s trade and most of East Asia’s oil imports flow.
“How should claims to natural resources in international waterways, and all future such claims, be resolved?” This issue can be addressed more efficiently through cooperation of countries to make a system that is the most reasonable and just. Thus, the Eurasian Conference should resolve this issue because there is always the threat of countries taking claims of waterbodies that start territorial disputes. Changes in foreign policy might be required so all the countries can decide a fair system to distribute and make water boundaries, while strengthening naval power for defense.
Works Consulted:
Salehundam, Kalyan. "Is Indian Ocean Still India's Ocean?!" Kalyan's Lab. 16 Mar. 2015. Web. 31 Mar. 2015. .
Tharoor, Shashi. "Modi's Indian Ocean Tour Shows That India's Watching China." THE WORLD POST. 11 Mar. 2015. Web. 31 Mar. 2015. .
Jaishankar, Dhruva. "India's Ocean." FP. 6 Dec. 2012. Web. 1 Apr. 2015. .
Madeline Selberg
ReplyDeleteKyle Yamada
April 1, 2015
IHS Global History
Position Paper: Oil in the South China Sea
As of the 1st of April, 2015, the country of Kuwait supports Position 1: that the country who first laid claims should be awarded the South China Sea’s territory, on the issue of Oceans.
Kuwait would like to keep its’ production rates high and be able to support the demand they have all over the world. To keep our economy strong we need to have a supply of oil to pull from, looking outward from the Middle East we have decided that the South China Sea is a good Place to start looking for new petroleum for when the Middle East runs out of oil. Kuwait wants the South China Sea to be owned by one country so they can make deals with them to satisfy the needs for oil of both parties. Although Kuwait is for position one we wouldn't be opposed to either position two or three as long as we heard a convincing argument and were guaranteed that the Sea wouldn't be owned by more than one country.
“How should claims to natural resources in international waterways, and all future such claims, be resolved?” Kuwait would like claims to be resolved in the future by the claims that were on the land or body first, but are not set to that decision and may change it in the future. As long as the majority of the countries at the conference agree with whatever position Kuwait decides to take we will be satisfied.
Works Cited:
Sophia, Mary. "Kuwait's Petroleum Unit Inks New Exploration Deals In South China Sea - Gulf Business." Gulf Business RSS 092. N.p., 11 Dec. 2014. Web. 02 Apr. 2015.
Ben Hulbert
ReplyDeleteJoanne Heidel
4-2-15
South Korea Oceans Position Paper
Word Count:
As of April 2, the country of South Korea takes position 3, and that the South China Sea should be a place owned and run by China, on the issue of Oceans.
China is one of our greatest allies for trade, so siding with them on this issue is our current position. However, we do not want a conflict to arise, and we do not condone China making any aggressive actions in the future towards any country in the region. If China does make an aggressive action than we will not side with them beyond that point. If China would not resolve this peacefully, than we would prefer a open region where everyone would have access.
China has a large government that would manage this region well, as long as they could not be too aggressive. If contenders in the region would agree to this, and China would agree to allow access to everyone, this would be an effective way to have the region be managed. This management would most likely be more effective than having an open region, where future disputes could arise.
Citations
Song, Ann. "Where Does South Korea Stand on the South China Sea Dispute?" International Policy Digest. International Policy Digest, 01 July 2014. Web. 02 Apr. 2015.
Lauren Johnson
ReplyDeleteJoanne Heidel
Position Paper
2 April 2015
Word Count: 338
Ukraine on Oceans
As of April 2nd, 2015, the country of Ukraine supports the continuation of fishing and taking resources from waters on the issue of oceans
For Ukraine, the oceans have been a major location for supplying their economy with goods to sell. Understandably, the inhabitants would prefer to continue drawing revenue from certain areas such as the Ross Sea and the east Antarctic Coastal region. Many other countries have made attempts to turn these waters into international protected region. However, the last few meetings that this attempt has been made at, Ukraine and a few others such as Russia have stalled for time to ensure that the topic could never be settled on. This allows them to keep up their economic gains so to speak. If this was taken away from Ukraine and countries like it, how would they be able to support themselves if a major source of income was revoked?
At this conference, I believe that the before mentioned areas should remain open for the access of fishing boats and others to take what is needed. As said previously, Ukraine needs the resources from the oceans in order to maintain as stable of an economy as possible. It won’t only benefit those who sell the collected goods, but some profit goes into the country and allows for the government to better the lives of its citizens. Yet another upside to keeping the waters open is that it would draw some of the need for Russia to target Ukraine for whatever reason they want, since they will also continue drawing in sustainable amounts to cancel the need to take from Ukraine. The hostility of Russia and Ukraine against those who want to limit access to fishing will be ebbed as well.
Works Cited
"Russia, Ukraine again block global efforts for Southern Ocean Marine Protection." Blog. Antarctic Ocean Alliance. N.p., 1 Nov. 2013. Web. 5 Mar. 2015. .
Maddie Blumm
ReplyDeleteJoanne Heidel
Position Paper
IHS Global History
4/2/15
As of April 2nd, 2015, the country of China, supports that territorial claims be awarded based on historical precedent on the issue of Oceans.
Having rights to the South China Sea means having the resources China needs to sustain it’s growing demand for oil and natural gases, as well as the ability to import and export goods to and from the country. China has laid claim to the nine-dash line in the South China Sea for the past 2,000 years. The Paracel and Spratly Islands are important for China, regarding oil and natural gas reserves. The South China Sea is also an important region for shipping goods in and out of the country, as China is the world’s largest manufacturer. Other countries, such as Vietnam, have not had the historical precedent that China has had on the South China Sea.
The Eurasian Conference should resolve the issue according to China’s understanding of the issue because China has historically had power over the region, and it’s unjust to take it’s power away from what was rightfully theirs. China supplies most countries with it’s factory products, and if China can’t transport it’s goods through the South China Sea, then many countries would be cut off from some of the products, which would even have a negative affect on the countries directly involved in the issue of Oceans. In order to have a just resolution, and to sustain China’s production industry, the Eurasian Conference should support that territorial claims be awarded based on historical precedent.
Sources Cited
"Q&A South China Sea dispute." BBC. N.p,, 8 May 2014. Web. 2 Apr. 2015. .
Jeremy Lavagnino
ReplyDeleteJoanne Heidel
IHS Global History
April 1, 2015
Israel “Oceans” Issue Position
As of April 1st, 2015, the country Israel supports awarding territorial claims based on historical precedent on the issue of “Oceans”.
The State of Israel owes its existence to historical precedent. At the time Israel was created, the Jewish people hadn’t lived in that particular area in well over a thousand years, but it was their homeland and they had lived there for many years before the Arabs. As such, Israel is a supporter of utilizing historical precedent to resolve situations such as the dispute in the South China Sea and other territorial disputes over natural resources international waterways.
When laying claim to natural resources, it is simply unjust to come to an agreement while ignoring historical precedent. If one state has laid claim to and taken advantage of an area for much of history, it should not just be taken away due to a new agreement. Historical precedent must be taken into account in order to ensure that states don’t get suddenly robbed of an area that had become an important part of their economy since they first began utilizing it. It is unfair to strip a nation that has laid claim to an area of that area when the neighboring countries decide to get greedy, and in order to prevent such a situation, historical precedents going back hundreds of years should be examined and taken into account.
Works Cited
Gelvin, James (2007). The Israel-Palestine Conflict: One Hundred Years of War (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 51. ISBN 0521888352.
"Q&A: South China Sea dispute." The BBC. The British Broadcasting Corporation, 8 May 2014. Web. 1 Apr. 2015. .
Felix Tyson
ReplyDeleteJoanne Heidel
Eurasian Conference
2 April 2015
Position Paper: United States, Oceans:
As of 2015-04-02, the United States of America supports a new, reasonable, and just solution to claims laid on natural resources in international waterways.
For the United States, this issue is closely linked to the Caspian Oil issue. The solution we advocate for Caspian nations is an equal split, and this is the solution we advocate for this issue as well. It is important that all nations that have access to a water-body have access to its resources, and that no one of those nations gets an unfair territorial advantage over the others. The United States place strategic value on many water-bodies of the world, and it is important that we have allies in these parts that allow us to defend the peace of these oceans.
It is in the interests of every nation that a water-body is not dominated by one nation. The resources of our international waterways are made more available to everyone when there are more parties with access to it. A monopoly of our oceans is not desirable for anyone, and neither is constant conflict and violence over water-body ownership. The question of how our international waterways should be split is only made complex by those with monopolistic interests, the answer is simple: an even split.
Works Cited
"China Tells US To Avoid Taking Sides In South China Sea Dispute." Malaysian Government News 13 Dec. 2014. Infotrac Newsstand. Web.
Eddie Kim
ReplyDeleteJoanne Heidel
Eurasian Conference
3 April 2015
Position Paper: Kazakhstan, Oceans:
As of 2015-04-02, the country of Kazakhstan supports position 3, and that the South China Sea should be governed by China, in order to keep the peace in South East Asia and East Asia.
China is one of our greatest consumer of our natural resources also, our economy rely heavily on importing manufactured goods from China. In order to keep the good partnership with China, we support China to take most of the resources in the sea of South China. However, if China’s powerplay in East and South Asia region gets absurd, we are not going to be on their side anymore. Furthermore, If China keeps on making an aggressive action, we want South China sea to be divided by each country’s border line. In that way, every country will have a access to the resource in the region and that management will prevent the fur more conflicts. Also, that resolution supports our point in Caspian sea, which is dividing sea by the country’s border line. It is the best to split the sea evenly to stop China’s monopoly in the region but since China is one of our greatest allies for trade, it would be the best for China to govern the region but let everyone countries have a access to it.
Works Cited
"Q&A: South China Sea Dispute." BBC News. Web. 3 Apr. 2015. .
4/6/15
ReplyDeleteSophia Newman
Joanne Hiedel
Vietnam Position Paper
WC 393
Vietnam: South China Sea
As of April 6, the country of Vietnam supports option 3, the development of a new, reasonable and just resolution system on the issue of the South China Sea.
Vietnam is very involved in the conflict of claims over the South China Sea. Because of China’s claims to the Spratly and Paracel Islands, it believes it has the right to a massive piece of water, leaving Vietnam with a fraction of what we propose. The South China Sea is very important to Vietnam on multiple levels. Our economy is based heavily on the production and trade of factory made products that could use the oil found in the South China Sea to expedite production rate. National and local economies all over Vietnam also depend on deep sea fishing that is done in the parts of the South China Sea that is claimed by China. One of the most important services provided to Vietnam by the South China Sea is naval defence. Without our portion of the sea, our entire coastline’s defence would be weakened immensely. Vietnam is geographically very long and if our ocean borders were breached, the entire country would be at risk.
The Eurasian Conference should support option 3 and develop a new, reasonable and just resolution system to deal the South China Sea dispute. All of the countries surrounding the South China Sea have laid their own claims to a piece of the water, and while some proclamations conflict, all are far more reasonable, and considerate, than China’s claim that closes in on the coasts of multiple countries. Vietnam believes that a new system could be devised using compromising and negotiation that would satisfy most if not all of the countries surrounding the sea. We believe that the two countries with the smallest claims could negotiate one-on-one, then that decision would be brought to the next largest claim, until the final product can be brought to China. Any other negotiations that need to take place may do so after a first-draft compromise. Vietnam stands fairly firmly by our original claim, but depending on how much other countries are willing to compromise, we may give a small amount in the interest of peace. Vietnam understands that the Spratly and Paracel Islands will present obstacles, but we have confidence that negotiations at the Conference will solve the issue.
Works Cited:
"Q&A: South China Sea dispute." The BBC. N.p., 8 May 2014. Web. 4 Apr. 2015. .
Burgess, Joe. "Territorial Claims in South China Sea." The New York Times. N.p., 31 May 2012. Web. 4 Apr. 2014. .
Timmons, Heather. "Spawning fish are about to make the feud between China and Vietnam more dangerous." Quartz. N.p., 27 May 2014. Web. 4 Apr. 2015. .
Kaela Childers
ReplyDeleteBrian Kuzma
IHS Global History
Position Paper
4/4/15
United Arab Emirates: Oceans
As of April 4, 2015 the country of UAE supports a new, reasonable and just resolution system best on the issue of the South China Sea.
The UAE does not want China to have complete control over the South China Sea, instead they would like all the regions in the area to work together to come up with a solution without using threats, coercion, force or intimidation. The UAE is also worried that if China has control over the South China Sea then their trade will be affected because several of the UAE’s trade partners are involved in this issue. China claims that it will keep the sea open for trade, but in the past they have halted exports to secure their objectives. If trading is affected it could have a negative impact on the UAE’s economy. The UAE wants a peaceful resolution that respects international law and does not impede lawful commerce.
The Eurasian Conference should solve this issue based on the UAE’s understanding of this issue because it provides a solution that does not involve violence. Many countries will benefit, or continue to benefit if the trade routes remain open. If fighting were to break out many countries would be affected negatively and the issue would remain unresolved.
Works Cited:
"South China Sea." U.S. Department of State. U.S. Department of State, 03 Aug. 2012. Web. 04 Apr. 2015.
"Concrete Steps for the U.S. in the South China Sea." War on the Rocks. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Apr. 2015.
Jacky Hsieh
ReplyDeleteBrian Kuzma
IHS Global History
Philippines Position Paper
April 5, 2015
As of April 5, 2015, Philippine is still against China of the amount of the sea split up with them and the others. Filipinos don’t want China to take control over all the resources that are valuable for each other. Without the sea there will be a loss of produce that is provided for food, furthermore amount of exports. The South China Sea accumulates about 11 billion barrels of oil and 190 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, under the surface of the seabed. If China gets a hold of the majority of the sea, other economies would fall and giving more power to China. In May of 2014, there was a conflict with China grasping for the Scarborough Shoal, with China is approximately 500 miles away and roughly 100 miles from Philippines. Wanting this problem to be solved calmly, however China won’t stop, leaving us without a choice, but to take action.
In the Eurasian Conference this should be solved, with peace in mind to prevent destruction. Without demolishing each other’s property or the amount of funds needed for equipment, will maintain a stable economy. Countless number of countries would be affected, if the violent method were chosen.
Work Cited:
Mogato, Manuel. "Philippines Is Not Backing down in Disputed South China Sea Waters." Business Insider. Business Insider, Inc, 26 Mar. 2015. Web. 05 Apr. 2015.
RALPH, JENNINGS. "Philippines Making Waves over China's Moves in Disputed Waters." Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2015. Web. 05 Apr. 2015.
"Q&A: South China Sea dispute." The BBC. N.p., 8 May 2014. Web. 5 Apr. 2015
Zia Wineriter
ReplyDeleteBrian Kuzma
IHS Global History
Jordan Position Paper
4/6/15
Jordan Ocean
As of October 26, 1994, the country of Jordan, supports reasonable and just resolution system on the issue of Ocean
Water Is the main source of a living being needs. We all need it to survive and develop, But when two or more parties fight over the right to own the H2O, then it turns into a war. Concerning the china sea although, Jordan has no opinion on the matter. Jordan supports their ally, the United States, On the idea of trying to create peace and not letting the water situation go into military Disaster. Peace is way better than full blown war over resources.
Not knowing the others sides however on the issue, is something we could consider into more. If another country is set on peace between the lands and has an idea on how to keep that peace, Jordan is open for discussion.
Work cited:
("china tells U.S. to stay out of the south china sea dispute"Tue Jul 15, 2014 2:54am EDTAdditional reporting by Manuel Mogato in Manila; Editing by Robert Birsel)
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteJust a test
ReplyDeleteSofi Gutierrez
ReplyDeleteJoanne Heidel
IHS Global History
April 2, 2015
Thailand’s Position on the Issue of Oceans
As of April 2nd, 2015, the country of Thailand supports position 3, which is to create a new, reasonable and just solution. China has placed an oil rig in a water territory shared with Vietnam, raising tensions around the area. Additionally, China has reclaimed two South China Sea reefs that were originally claimed by the Philippines. Thailand is in favor of international mediation in order to have a peaceful resolution.
Thai foreign minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has observed that Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have South China Sea claims to have control over volumes of oil and minerals. He hopes that the Thailand government will have an early conclusion to the code of conduct and to put the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea(DOC). The DOC is a non-binding, non-aggression document that calls for the ending of occupying new territories in the South China Sea. Keeping the waters open will allow the fishing industry to flourish much more than if China were to take up nearly all of the territory.
Works Cited
Del Callar, Michaela. "PHL, Thailand call for peaceful resolution of South China Sea disputes." GMA News Philippines] 18 July 2014: Web. 2 Apr. 2015.
Sam McKay
ReplyDeleteKyle Yamada
IHS Global History
Position Paper: Turkey
April 14, 2014
Turkey and the South China Sea Disputes
As of April 10, 2015, the country of Turkey, supports position 3 for a new, reasonable system based on the technological capabilities the world has today on the issue of Oceans.
Turkey desires peace and stability in the region. As an energy hub, Turkey needs energy resources to flow and move freely out of and through the South China Sea. All border countries will benefit from a fair and equitable division of the natural resources under the sea. All countries in the region will benefit from maintaining an open water way for international navigation.
Aggressive actions such as dredging and island building and posturing through military exercises need to cease. All parties to the dispute need to come together and negotiate a fair resolution. Bilateral negotiations alone will not resolve the disputes as it does not consider the interests of all affected parties. To avoid further escalation, the overlapping and contentious claims of ownership of the South China Sea must be a critical global agenda item for immediate resolution during our conference. The sea should be allocated based on the shoreline mileage and the proximity of the islands to the involved countries using current technology such as satellite mapping and GPS systems. Turkey supports all border countries who want to come together and negotiate a fair and equitable division of the sea and its resources and who are committed to maintaining an open and navigable international waterway.
Works Cited
"China Literally Gains Ground in Dispute." 9 Apr. 2015: A8. The Register Guard (Eugene, OR). 11 Mar. 2002. Web. 15 Apr. 2015. .
"Turkey Backs Philippines in Sea Disputes - The Manila Times Online." The Manila Times Online. N.p., 17 Nov. 2014. Web. 15 Apr. 2015. .
"China's Energy Demand and the South China Sea Dispute." The Journal of Turkish Weekly. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Mar. 2015. .
Emily Marvin
ReplyDeleteSuzie Mclauchlin
IHS Global History
Spain Position Paper
4/10/15
Spain- Oceans
As of April 14, 2015 Spain supports a peaceful resolution to disputes over territory in oceans, involving a Triple Action Plan to ease tension and an arbitration in order to resolve disputes based on international law.
The Philippines are directly affected by the dispute, as they have territory in the South China Sea over which China is trying to take control. Spain and the Philippines are very close allies and trade partners, and any harm that is brought to the Philippines will affect Spain as well. If the economy of the Philippines falls because of lost oil-producing territory, or if violence is methods are used to settle disputes, this will hurt Spain as well. Spain has expressed that it supports the position that the Philippines take, which is that the tension should first be addressed so as to keep everyone involved safe, and then make decisions about territory based on an arbitration.
The Eurasian Conference should solve this issue in order to keep peace between involved countries. Tension between parties is increasing and Spain fears that it may lead to violence. This issue should be treated carefully, with the safety of all countries in mind, and should be solved in a way that is as fair as possible to everyone.
Works Consulted
"Spain to Support PH in Sea Row." Spain to Support PH in Sea Row. Web. 17 Apr. 2015.
"Spain-Philippine Relations Have Evolved, Aquino Says." Spain-Philippine Relations Have Evolved, Aquino Says. Web. 17 Apr. 2015.
"P-Noy Seeks Spain's Support in Sea Dispute." Philstar.com. Web. 17 Apr. 2015.
"PHL's ‘triple-action Plan’ to Address, Not Aggravate South China Sea Tension – DFA." GMA News Online. Web. 17 Apr. 2015.