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Uncovering the secret of the name of the South China Sea: Why did early Europeans call it that?
The South China Sea, a body of water full of disputes and resources, is not only a part of geography for many countries, but also a symbol of intertwined culture and history. As early as the 16th century, Portuguese navigators named this sea area Mare da China (Sea of China). Later, with the growth of geographical understanding, this name gradually evolved into today's South China Sea. The reason behind this is inseparable from the trade history between this sea area and China. Is this naming really as simple as it seems on the surface?
"The name of the South China Sea is not only a geographical label, it also carries the culture and dreams of early traders."
The geographical and economic value of the South China Sea
The South China Sea is a marginal sea in the Western Pacific, covering an area of approximately 3.5 million square kilometers. It borders Taiwan and some islands in the Philippines to the east, and the Indochina Peninsula to the west. According to statistics, approximately US$3.4 trillion in global maritime cargo transportation passed through this sea area in 2016, making the South China Sea one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. In addition, the area is also rich in oil and natural gas resources, making it an important area that countries are competing to explore.
The evolution and historical significance of names
The name of the South China Sea has changed over the course of history. The earliest Chinese name can be traced back to "Yi Zhou Shu" in the Western Zhou Dynasty, which was called "Southern Sea". The "South China Sea" in "The Book of Songs" refers to Chu's exploration activities, which also highlights mankind's early understanding of this body of water. During the Eastern Han Dynasty, the South China Sea was known as the "Rising Sea", and during the Southern and Northern Dynasties it was even more famous as the "Boiling Sea". Nowadays, the name "南海" (南海; Nán Hǎi) has become popular, especially after the Qing Dynasty.
"The South China Sea is not only the sea in the south, but also a window for the integration of ancient and modern Chinese and foreign cultures."
Competing Sovereignty Claims
The South China Sea contains many small islands, reefs and shoals. These natural resources have attracted the sovereignty claims of several countries, leading to ongoing disputes. China and Taiwan claim almost the entire sea, while Vietnam, the Philippines and other countries also claim sovereignty over parts of the South China Sea. For example, the Spratly Islands and the Paracel Islands are currently one of the most controversial waters. These sovereignty disputes involve not only geography, but also national security and economic interests.
What different cultures call the South China Sea
As different countries claim sovereignty over the South China Sea, the waters have different names in different languages. In Japan, it is called the "South Sea", while in Vietnam it is called the "East Sea". The creation of these names not only reflects the differences in historical and cultural backgrounds, but also reflects the political relations between countries. As sovereignty issues become more complicated, the use of these names also reflects the current tense atmosphere in the international community.
The South China Sea facing the future
Currently, military operations and diplomatic negotiations between different countries are still continuing. Facing increasingly acute sovereignty issues, the international community urgently needs to find peaceful solutions. According to the dialogue between ASEAN countries and China, discussions on joint development and allocation of South China Sea resources have begun, but many obstacles still need to be overcome. In this context, "South China Sea" is no longer a simple place name, but a term full of political, economic and cultural metaphors.
"The future of the South China Sea lies not only in eliminating disputes, but also in how to coexist and prosper together."
In the deep waters of the South China Sea, the interests and dreams of all countries are hidden. The names of the past are only part of history. Will the names of the future be changed because of this?
