Hot Water in The South China Sea By

Hot Water in The South China Sea By: Seneca Bush, William Best

Why We Selected This Topic 1. We felt we needed to spread awareness about this topic. 2. The whole world could be affected by this conflict 3. Most of the world’s trade travels through the South China Sea 4. This could cause huge international conflicts among many nations 5. We could get drafted if this escalated further.

China 1. China is a very powerful nation in many different aspects 2. China is one of the world's leading exporters in trade generating 1470 billion USD (United States dollars) in trade through The South China Sea 3. Through China claiming these islands they are causing possible friction within the area with the surrounding nations.

Our Study Area

Claims Made by Countries

Subi Reef V

Mischief Reef

Countries Surrounding China (the escalation) 1. Now with China claiming these islands this has caused lots of tension among the surrounding nations. 2. The surrounding nations have claimed some of these islands as well causing the tensions to continue upward. 3. Taiwan leading these escalations have conducted live fire tests in response to the growing tensions.

Territory Disputes

South China Sea Trade Routes

Natural Gas

Natural Gas Consumption

Trade Value

Conclusion Undisputed claims made by the multiple countries interrupted by china taking over the area would cause major international conflicts. Could block off access to trade routes within SCS to other countries. This could hurt or hinder trade within the countries nearby. Other countries whose claims have been violated by china could ask America for help

Problems We Faced ● Not a well known problem ● There was not a lot of data to begin with ● Pretty tricky situation navigate ● Involves active politics

Sources CNN Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative the. Trumpet China Power CIA- World Fact. Book South China Morning Post All Portal