Border Disputes in the South China Sea Increase The South China Sea is a strategic area that is rich in natural resources and has important shipping lanes. Several countries were granted claims to the region, including China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei. With increasing oil and gas exploration activities, border disputes in the South China Sea are increasingly worsening the regional geopolitical situation. One of the main factors contributing to the increase in disputes is overlapping territorial claims. China claims most of the South China Sea through the nine-dash line, which it proclaimed based on ancient maps. However, this claim was rejected by many countries, including the Philippines which received a decision from the International Court of Arbitration in 2016 stating that China’s claim did not have a strong legal basis. The increase in military activity in the area is becoming increasingly apparent. Military exercises by the Chinese Navy, including the deployment of aircraft carriers, have fueled tensions with neighboring countries. Additionally, incidents of fishing vessels being captured or expelled by each country’s navy occur frequently, indicating ongoing tensions. Abundant natural resources, such as oil and gas, also contribute to disputes. The countries involved seek to explore and exploit these resources. Vietnam, for example, has been drilling for oil in areas claimed by China, causing protests from Beijing. The richness of marine life, including fish and coral reefs, also attracts the attention of many countries that depend on marine products to meet their food needs. Diplomacy is often a tool to defuse conflict; however, these efforts often reach a dead end. Even though there are several forums such as ASEAN, diplomatic solutions are hampered by differences in perspectives and interests of each country. ASEAN member states are trying to create a code of conduct in the South China Sea, but the process is slow and complicated. In recent years, the participation of major powers such as the United States has received increasing attention. The US carries out freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea to challenge Beijing’s claims and strengthen its position in the region. This is underscored by the formation of strategic alliances with regional countries, including Australia and Japan, which seek to maintain a balance of power. The environment and climate change issues are also starting to become a concern. Human activities in the South China Sea can have a negative impact on marine ecosystems. Countries in the region need to work together to maintain the sustainability of natural resources to prevent further damage. Border disputes in the South China Sea are a complex phenomenon involving geopolitical, economic and environmental issues. The involvement of various parties and regional dynamics create their own challenges. Given the potential for conflict that could affect regional and even global stability, peaceful and constructive solutions are needed so that this region remains safe and productive for all parties involved.