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MAINS 2016
GS1
12.5 marks

South China Sea has assumed great geopolitical significance in the present context. Comment.

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9 min
200 words
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What the examiner wants

Comment on why the South China Sea has become a geopolitical hotspot and what it means for India.

CommentGive your own view on the statement and back it with facts and examples.

Demand-wise check

  1. 1Importance: sea lanes to Malacca, fisheries, oil and gas, strategic location≈35 words
  2. 2Disputes: China's nine-dash line vs Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei; island-building and militarisation≈35 words
  3. 3Major powers: US freedom of navigation operations, ASEAN Code of Conduct talks≈35 words
  4. 4India: trade routes, ONGC Videsh blocks off Vietnam, Act East, support for UNCLOS≈35 words

Open in about 30 words and close in about 30.

Answer plan

Location and valueDisputesGreat-power rivalryIndia's stakeConclusion

Where marks usually go

  • No mention of the 2016 arbitration ruling
  • Omitting India's interests

Draw this

  • Map with nine-dash line, Spratly and Paracel islands, Malacca Strait

Value addition

  • CaseArbitral tribunal (PCA, July 2016) in Philippines v China held the nine-dash line has no legal basis under UNCLOS.PCA award, 2016
  • DataAbout one-third of global shipping (around USD 3.4 trillion in 2016) passes through the South China Sea.CSIS ChinaPower, 2016