China/South China Sea: China’s Reclamations Roil South China Sea

Apr 11, 2015 | James Borton, International Policy Digest
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The South China Sea remains at the epicenter of one of the most volatile maritime areas in the world with little or no agreement on sovereignty claims to ownership of atolls, submerged banks, islands, reefs and rocks. Yet South China Sea fishermen, marine biologists and policy shapers agree that without an end to unsustainable fishing practices, and urgent adoption of environmental protection measures, a catastrophic marine biodiversity and fishery collapse is imminent.

Beijing’s accelerated land reclamation over these specks of rock in the roiling sea in recent years has only escalated the friction among claimants. In particular, China’s expansion in Johnson and Gaven reefs—also claimed at least in part by Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei and Vietnam –threatens to wreck rich fishing grounds and valuable coral reefs in the archipelago.