It covers an area of 3,500,000 square kilometers (1,400,000 sq mi). South China Sea is almost totally bounded by land masses and islands, almost like a huge lake.
The
western part of the sea washes the shores of China and North- East Asian
countries, area commonly known as Ind-China. These countries are Taiwan,
Vietnam, Cambodia, Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. The eastern side
of the sea is covered by the islands of Philippines.
Channels
As
there are lands and islands surrounding the South China Sea, there are a number
of channels and straits to connect with other seas and oceans.
The
Malacca Strait is situated between the Malay Peninsula and the island of Sumatra
of Indonesia. It connects the South
China Sea with the Indian Ocean. It is economically very important because a
huge amount of cargo goes through it. The city nation of Singapore is in its
mouth.
Luzon
Strait, a deep channel connects the sea with the Pacific Ocean. It is situated
in between the Taiwan and Philippines.
Formosa
or Taiwan Strait lies between the island of Taiwan and the mainland China. It
connects the South China Sea with the East China Sea.
Water
The
South China Sea is near the equator. So, it gets the direct and vertical
sunlight for most of the time of the year. That’s why the water near the
surface is warm. It varies from 84 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit or 29 to 27 degrees
Centigrade.
The
climate of the area is controlled by the monsoon winds. The monsoon drives the
sea currents which changes with the change of wind direction.
The
sea is flooded by many big and small rivers. The annual rainfall in the area
around the sea is very high and so, the rivers like Mekong or Pearl (Zhou) discharge
considerable amount of fresh water into the sea.
Small Islands of South China Sea
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| Small South China Sea Island |
South
China Sea is dotted with numerous small islands. Some of these are so small and
low that they become submerged during the time of tide. Some of these are known
to submerge and reemerge seasonally.
Some
of these islands have little fisherman colonies of aboriginal people. But most
of these are not fit to human habitation as there is no source of drinking
water.
Some
of the most important small group of islands is Spratly Islands, Paracel
Islands, Pratas Islands, Scarborough Shoal etc.
These islands are mostly disputed between China and its neighbors. These
small islands are rich in minerals, gas and petroleum deposits. These can also be
strategically vital military bases.
Economic Importance
Some
of the world’s biggest economies trade through the South China Sea. So, this
sea is very important as a cargo route. The rapid economic growth and
industrialization of China, India and ASEAN group of countries has increased
its significance.
There
are many ports and harbors around the sea. Some of the most important ports are
Singapore, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Macau, Taipei, Manila, Davao,
Saigon, Port Brunei etc.
There
are many oil reach zones in South China Sea islands and slopes. The sea is also
a great storage of natural gases. Unexplored mineral wealth has created many
international disputes in the area.
Due to its vital position, South China Sea is a disputed region for many years. The power who can control that sea will control Eastern Asia - an economically advanced region.
The countries who claim control over different parts and islands of the sea are China, Taiwan, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Singapore.
Often the claims of these countries are conflicting. There are some islands claimed by more than one nations. Even outside powers like USA and India have also intervened in the past in support of one or another party. The foundation of ASEAN was successful to reduce the intensity of the conflict between the nations in the recent past.
South China Sea Dispute
Due to its vital position, South China Sea is a disputed region for many years. The power who can control that sea will control Eastern Asia - an economically advanced region.
The countries who claim control over different parts and islands of the sea are China, Taiwan, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Singapore.
Often the claims of these countries are conflicting. There are some islands claimed by more than one nations. Even outside powers like USA and India have also intervened in the past in support of one or another party. The foundation of ASEAN was successful to reduce the intensity of the conflict between the nations in the recent past.
If you like all these facts about South China Sea then can also check my other related articles like that about Arabian Sea facts or Bay of Fundy.
