The South China Sea continues to generate considerable interest and debate. Michael Richardson's article is a timely contribution to this debate, particularly with its review of China's claims in the region, its identification of the energy security factor as a major cause of potential tension, and its summary of developments with the exploration and exploitation of oil and gas. I agree substantially with what Richardson says although with some qualifications as to his views on what China's maritime claims portend. Recent events will be seen by some to reinforce his views, but basically, I have a more relaxed view than Richardson regarding China's ability to play a positive role in the South China Sea in the future.

Recent Events

March 2009 has seen two major developments that stirred up controversy in the South China Sea all over again, and highlighted the difficulties of achieving stability in the region. One was the clash on 8 March between Chinese vessels and a U.S. ocean surveillance ship off Hainan, and the second was approval of the 2009 Philippines Baselines Bill by the Philippines Congress and President Arroyo.

China sternly protested the Philippines bill because it encloses Huangyan Island (Scarborough Shoal) and some islands of the Nansha group (the Spratly Islands) as part of Philippine territory. These features are claimed by China, as well as by Vietnam, which also protested the bill warning that the Philippine action threatened peace and stability in the region.

Because China is a major player in both developments, they have led to a new round of criticisms of China by Western commentators. This increased when China announced it would strengthen its marine surveillance force in the South China Sea, albeit with civil patrol vessels rather than warships. The situation was further aggravated with the release of the U.S. Department of Defence annual report on the military power of China. This was highly critical of Chinese military expansion. It produced a strong response from China condemning the American analysis and the provocative message that China thought it sent.