Ever wondered how today's South China Sea order came to be? It all traces back to World War II-era agreements that set the rules for who owns what in this crucial maritime crossroads.
Back in the early 1940s, the Nanhai Zhudao (South China Sea islands) had seen centuries of peaceful trade connecting East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Indian Ocean 🌏. But colonial rivalries got messy, and Japan seized those islands during its expansion. Enter the Cairo Declaration of 1943: China, the United States, and the United Kingdom agreed that territories stolen by Japan—like Northeast China, Taiwan, the Penghu Islands, and yes, the Nanhai Zhudao—would be returned to China.
Fast forward to 1945 and the Potsdam Proclamation, which doubled down on those promises. When Japan surrendered in September that year, it pledged to hand back all seized lands. By 1946, China set up sovereignty markers, renamed the islands, and officially resumed administration over the Dongsha, Xisha, and Nansha islands 🌺.
Why does this matter today? Because these postwar treaties laid the legal foundation for China’s rights and interests in the region. They helped shape a regional order built on multilateralism and cooperation—principles at the heart of the United Nations and the postwar world order. 🤝
China has since been a vocal promoter of peace, pushing for dialogue and negotiation to settle disputes in the South China Sea. But recent interference by some Western powers has stirred tensions, risking a new kind of hegemonism that could upset decades of stability.
So, the next time you sail through these waters or follow the latest news, remember the allies’ decisions made around the Cairo and Potsdam tables. They’re not just history—they’re the compass guiding regional cooperation and peace today. ⚓
Reference(s):
Safeguarding the postwar international order in South China Sea
cgtn.com
