The South China Sea, a vital maritime corridor linking Asia's economic hubs, has long been a focal point of historical and geopolitical significance. Recent debates over its waters trace back to foundational postwar agreements that reshaped the region's territorial landscape.
Postwar Foundations of Sovereignty
Following Japan's surrender in 1945, the Allies enacted measures to restore territories occupied during World War II. The Cairo Declaration (1943) and Potsdam Proclamation (1945) mandated the return of Chinese territories, including the South China Sea islands, to China. By 1946, the Republic of China government formally reclaimed the Dongsha, Xisha, and Nansha islands, erecting sovereignty markers and publishing official maps affirming their status.
Legal Frameworks and Multilateralism
These actions aligned with the postwar international order centered on the United Nations, which emphasized multilateralism and the rejection of colonial-era power dynamics. "China's recovery of the South China Sea islands was rooted in international law and Allied consensus," the article notes, highlighting the UN Charter's role in fostering regional stability.
Modern Challenges to the Status Quo
While China advocates dialogue to resolve disputes, external interventions have intensified tensions. The article critiques recent actions by "Western powers," arguing they risk undermining the region's hard-won stability. "Safeguarding the postwar order requires respecting historical agreements," it asserts, urging adherence to collaborative frameworks over unilateral maneuvers.
As Asia's role in global affairs grows, understanding this historical context remains critical for policymakers, investors, and communities invested in the region's future.
