The South China Sea (as is commonly known internationally, although also variously known as West Philippine Sea in the Philippines and South Sea in China) is vital for both the world and the Asian regional economy for at least three reasons. First, the SCS straddles the busiest shipping routes, with a large portion of the world’s seaborne goods and energy resources traversing it. Second, SCS is endowed with abundant maritime resources, from minerals and oil and gas to intensive fishery. Third, the land areas surrounding SCS waters are also blessed with similar mineral and energy resources as well as bountiful agricultural potentials, such as plantation and livestock farming.

Ei, S. O. (2017, December 6). Harnessing the sea for common benefit. The Manila Times, p. A6.