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Spratly islands: A brewing flashpoint in Asia. Master's thesis

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6905238

The Spratly Islands are developing into a flashpoint in the South China Sea region. Geological surveys conducted underneath the seabed of these islands following the oil crisis in the 1970s shows an enormous potential of oil and gas reserves. Moreover, with the adoption of the new International Law of the Sea concept there are overlapping claims by contending countries. Unless these claimant countries reconcile their differences and come to terms, the conflict is bound to escalate. This thesis is an in depth study of the disputes over the Spratlys and examines four cases of islands based territorial disputes that could be used as a model in resolving these tensions. This thesis argues that a military option will only create division and in-flame longstanding animosities. Instead, a peaceful solution is recommended as quickly as possible so that regional nations will realize the full potential of these islands. Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.

Research Organization:
Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA (United States)
OSTI ID:
6905238
Report Number(s):
AD-A-283751/6/XAB
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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