Beijing's Island Strategy Alters Dynamics in South China Sea

London, United Kingdom Jul 15, 2026 ALN: A decade after Beijing rejected the ruling by The Hague’s Permanent Court of Arbitration on its South China Sea claims, rival nations continue to manoeuvre for control. In the third of our series on the anniversary, Laura Zhou looks at why the gap between international law and geopolitical reality on the water has never been wider.

On a scorching morning this summer, more than a hundred Chinese tourists stepped ashore on Tree Island in the hotly contested Paracels. This island, part of a group of islets claimed by multiple nations, serves as a vivid illustration of the ongoing tensions and the strategic maneuvers at play in the South China Sea.

They were greeted not only by blue skies and turquoise waters, but also a sprawling array of modern infrastructure: gardens, two-storey houses and air-conditioned government offices to handle the administration of the island and some of those nearby. The transformation of Tree Island from a mere geographical feature into a bustling hub of activity is emblematic of China's broader strategy in the region, which has seen it assert control over disputed territories through extensive development and militarization.

On the clean, well-paved roads, electric sightseeing buggies carried visitors on tours that last only a few minutes. This infrastructure development has not only made the island more accessible to Chinese citizens but also serves to solidify China's claim to sovereignty over the Paracels. By investing in such amenities, Beijing is effectively creating a narrative of permanence and legitimacy in a region fraught with competing claims.

There were also supermarkets, a helicopter pad, a waste-water plant, power stations and even a prison on the island, which is also known as Zhaoshu in China and Dao Cay in Vietnam. The presence of such facilities indicates a significant commitment to maintaining a sustained human presence on the island, which is crucial for asserting territorial claims. The development of Tree Island is part of a broader trend where China has been constructing and enhancing infrastructure on various islands and reefs throughout the South China Sea, often in direct violation of international norms and laws.

“The island is 90 per cent covered in vegetation,” an island-based guide told the visitors. This lush environment contrasts sharply with the military installations and infrastructure developments that have also taken root in the area, highlighting the dual-use nature of these islands. While they are presented as tourist destinations and centers of civilian life, they are also strategically significant military outposts that can be used to project power and influence throughout the region.

Among them were schoolchildren who had just started their summer holidays and a retired teacher travelling alone. The presence of tourists on Tree Island is indicative of China's efforts to promote a sense of normalcy and civilian life in what is otherwise a highly contested area. By encouraging tourism, Beijing aims to bolster its claims to the islands and foster a sense of national pride among its citizens.

The South China Sea is a vital waterway that facilitates a significant portion of the world's maritime trade. It is rich in natural resources, including fisheries and potential oil and gas reserves, making it a focal point for regional and international tensions. The ongoing disputes involve not only China but also several Southeast Asian nations, including Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei, each of which has competing claims over various portions of the sea.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines, rejecting China's expansive claims based on the so-called 'nine-dash line.' This ruling was seen as a significant victory for international law and a setback for Beijing's assertive policies in the region. However, despite the ruling, China has continued its activities, including land reclamation and military installations, effectively disregarding the court's decision and further complicating the geopolitical landscape.

The gap between international law and the geopolitical reality on the ground has indeed widened. While international law seeks to establish norms and frameworks for resolving disputes peacefully, the realities of power dynamics and national interests often lead to unilateral actions that undermine these principles. China's approach in the South China Sea illustrates this disconnect, as it prioritizes its strategic ambitions over adherence to international legal standards.

The implications of Beijing's island strategy extend beyond the immediate region. As China continues to assert its claims and expand its military presence, it raises concerns among neighboring countries and the international community. The United States, for instance, has responded to China's actions by reaffirming its commitment to freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and conducting freedom of navigation operations to challenge excessive maritime claims.

Moreover, the situation in the South China Sea has the potential to escalate into broader conflicts, as nations grapple with the implications of China's assertiveness. The military buildup in the region, coupled with the presence of competing claims, creates a volatile environment where miscalculations could lead to confrontations. The stakes are high, not just for the countries directly involved but for global trade and security.

As the anniversary of the Hague ruling approaches, it serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle over the South China Sea. The developments on Tree Island and similar locations underscore the complexities of the situation, where infrastructure development, tourism, and military strategy intersect. The future of the South China Sea remains uncertain, and the actions taken by China and its rivals will continue to shape the geopolitical landscape in the region for years to come.

In conclusion, the dynamics of the South China Sea are marked by a significant divergence between international law and the realities of power politics. China's island strategy, exemplified by developments on Tree Island, reflects its commitment to asserting control over disputed territories, raising questions about the future of regional stability and the efficacy of international legal frameworks in resolving such disputes. As rival nations continue to navigate these challenges, the implications for regional security and international relations will be profound and far-reaching.