SOUTH CHINA SEA: UP FOR GRABS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP08C01297R000300180018-3
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 28
• Document Creation Date: December 23, 2016
• Document Release Date: October 15, 2012
• Sequence Number: 18
• Publication Date: September 14, 1971
• Content Type: REPORT

*---f'9 Declassified and Approved ForRelease2012/12/24 : CIA-RDP08001297R000300180018-3
S /NO FOREIGN DISSEM RGES - 5
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RESEARCH STUDY
BUREAU OF INTELLIGENCE AND RESEARCH
SOUTH CHINA SEA: UP FOR GRABS
September 14, 1971
The Philippine occupation of islets in Dangerous Ground and the
Spratlys has focused attention on this troublesome area. Conflicting
sovereignty claims and the petroleum potential of the South China Sea make
difficult any division of the shelf and seabed among the bordering states.
At the moment, the course of action among the disputants is only the gnash-
ing of teeth, but the area is a potential powder keg.
.ABSTRACT
Sovereignty over the numerous islets and rocks of the South
China Sea is actively contested among the People's Republic
of China (PRC), the Republic of China (ROC), South Viet-Nam,
and the Philippines. The recent move of the Philippine military
onto the islands of Nanshan (Lawak), Flat (Pagasa), and Thitu ? -
(Patag), and the demand that the ROC abandon its garrison on
Itu Aba, have resulted in recent declarations from all the disputants
as to their claims to the various islets.
Occupation of islets in the South China Sea is limited to
the ROC on Itu Aba and Pratas Island, the PRC on islets in the
Amphitrite Group of the Paracels, and the South Vietnamese in
the Crescent Group of Paracels. Currently, it appears that the
s atus quo ?Nill prevail and that no further military incursions
h?Rk'L(NO FOREIGN DISSEM
This report was produced by the Bureau
of Intelligence and Research. Aside from
normal substantive exchange with other
agencies at the working level, B has not
been com"" "?"?
Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/12/24: CIA-RDP08001297R000300180018-3
GROUP 2
Excluded from auzomao
downgrading and.
declassificaticz
? I ?: Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/12/24: CIA-RDP08001297R000300180018-3
SECRET/NO FOREIGN DISSEM
11 -
from any of the bordering states will take place. The PRC undoubtedly
has to be considered the dominant power in the area, and its desires will
likely dictate the future course of events.
The United States takes no position on the conflicting sovereignty
claims. Further, the United States Government advises against any
American geophysical and petroleum company activity in the disputed
area. The Government also informed the companies that it will not be
responsible for any apprehended vessels.
Macclesfield Bank, a submerged feature, has the potential to be
the site of extensive petroleum reserves. If such is the case, some
type of division of the shelf and seabed of the South China Sea must be
implemented so the resources can be exploited. This study looks at four
potential divisional schemes of the shelf and seabed of the South China
Sea.
SECRET/NO FOREIGN DISSEM
Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/12/24: CIA-RDP08001297R000300180018-3
Declassified and Approved For Release 2012/12/24: CIA-RDP08001297R000300180018-3
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