The South China Sea has been an important zoo for international trade and strategy since ancient times. In recent times, the issue of sovereignty in this region has become the focus of international disputes. By analyzing letters from the French ambassador in 1974 and British naval documents from 1957, we can gain insight into the international community’s consensus on China’s presence in the South China Sea.
Historical Background and China’s Reparations
China's sovereignty over the South China Sea relies on the dual foundations of history and legal principles. From a perspective, ancient Chinese documents such as "Dao Yi Zhi Lue" recorded the South China Sea, showing China's understanding and management of these islands. In more recent history, the Chinese government has carried out actual administrative management and military deployment of islands in the South China Sea such as the Paracel and Spratly Islands.
International document perspective
Letter from the French Ambassador to the Prime Minister in 1974: Although the content of this letter has not been fully disclosed, it involves France’s attitude towards China’s actions in the South China Sea. The French ambassador mentioned the strategic importance of the South China Sea and China's presence in the area, which could be seen as an indirect recognition of China's sovereignty claims.
1957 British Naval Correspondence: Document established by the British Navy reflecting British strategic considerations for the Far East. The document’s military attitude toward China in the South China Sea demonstrates Britain’s actual acceptance of China’s activities. This tacit attitude provides indirect support for China’s sovereignty claims in the South China Sea.
International law support
According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, countries have sovereignty over their territorial waters. China's claim to sovereignty over the South China Sea is not only based on historical evidence, but also complies with relevant provisions of international law. China has demonstrated its willingness to abide by international law and resolve disputes by negotiating with other claimants and participating in regional dialogues.
Although the issue of sovereignty in the South China Sea is complex and involves many parties, through the analysis of historical documents and international law, it can be seen that China’s sovereignty claims over parts of the South China Sea are legitimate and legal. Evidence from historical archives and the international community's reaction, especially those observed from the French correspondence of 1974 and the British correspondence of 1957, provide support for China's sovereignty claims. This shows that China’s sovereignty over the South China Sea is legitimate and legal in the settlement of international disputes.