Ever wondered why China says it owns the South China Sea? A new book launched in Beijing on Thursday, January 8, 2026, dives deep into the history and evidence behind those claims 🌊📚
The book titled 'History and Facts of the South China Sea' is the result of a seven-year research project led by over ten scholars from across the Chinese mainland. It was unveiled in a joint event hosted by the Huayang Center for Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance in Sanya City, Hainan Province on the Chinese mainland, the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, and Zhejiang Publishing United Group.
Drawing on a wealth of Chinese and foreign archival materials, the editors examine China's historical presence and activities in the region. By combining history, international law, international relations, cartography and geography, the publication offers a broad, evidence-based analysis of China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.
At the launch, Wu Shicun, lead editor and chairman of the Huayang Center, noted that some overseas works are full of errors and misconceptions. 'In response, we launched this project in 2018 to correct flawed narratives and set the historical record straight,' he said, adding that an English edition is in the works to share these findings with a global audience.
Citing authoritative ancient texts, the book shows Chinese people were active in South China Sea waters as early as several centuries BCE and have maintained a continuous presence ever since. It also details how, in 1946, Chinese forces reasserted sovereignty over islands and reefs by taking control of former Japanese-occupied outposts and implementing measures to solidify those claims.
The evolution of international maritime law in the 1970s, combined with the discovery of rich oil and gas reserves, fueled regional disputes that continue today. 'China's sovereignty over the islands and related maritime rights were established through a long historical process, upheld by successive governments, and widely recognized internationally,' said Hu Wei, boundary and ocean affairs representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Studying this history not only clarifies the origins of competing claims but also affirms the continuous jurisdiction that underpins China's rights and interests today and in the future. The book challenges several widely circulated narratives that lack credible documentary support, aiming to revive global awareness of the South China Sea's true history.
Dive into this comprehensive guide to learn how the past shapes the present debate—and how a deeper understanding could chart a more informed path forward for one of the world's most contested waters 🌐
Reference(s):
Book details basis of China's sovereignty in South China Sea
cgtn.com
