南海鄰近國家間長期存在主權的爭議。自從1979年聯合國公布南海地區蘊藏豐富的石油資源以來,南海周遭國家均以不同的方式擴充自己在南海的領土。由於聲索的方式千方百種,南海又被稱為「爭議之母」。隨著不同時期國際局勢的改變,南海地區逐漸成為21世紀大國國際政治的舞台,區域內及區域外大國正藉由南海地區拓展自己在世界上的影響力。而區域內爭端國的「合縱」及「連橫」的策略增加其國家利益,如此加深了南海情勢不確定性及衝突性。 臺灣控制台灣海峽與巴士海峽的海上要道,亦為東海與南海的分界點,在冷戰時期是美國圍堵共產陸權勢力進入西太平洋弧島之中心環節,戰略地位重要,而長期經營的太平島與東沙島亦有極有利的戰略位置,但徒有優越的地理位置,或潛在的戰略價值外,我國能提供何種優良的條件,讓其他國家或區域的活動因上開地區而產生對外的聯結,產生較大的利益與優勢,端看我國南海政策運用的好與壞。
The South China Sea is subject to competing claims of sovereignty by the littoral states. In 1979, the UN announced that the South China Sea is full of Resources. The littoral states expend their territories with different ways in the South China Sea. Due to the number of claimants and the complexity of claims, it is called the “mother of all territorial disputes”. With the international situation changes, the South China Sea becomes the stage of great powers in 21th century. China and United States of America expend their influences and power through the South China Sea. And the claimants use the method of “Allies” and “Axis” to gain their national interests. So that it’s enhance the uncertainty of the South China Sea satiability. Taiwan controls the maritime thoroughfare between Taiwan Strait and Bashi Channel. It’s also the demarcation point between the South China Sea and East China Sea. And So do the Itu aba and Pratas Island. How can we use the advantage of this potential position to gain our national interests? It depend on our South China Sea policy.