Delving into South China Sea tensions involves a complex understanding of the history, geopolitics and resources of the region. These tensions generally stem from overlapping territorial claims between China and several Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei. One of the key elements in this tension is the Spratly and Paracel Islands, which are known to be rich in natural resources, such as oil and gas, and are strategic routes for global trade. China claims almost the entire South China Sea based on the “nine-point line,” which has been a source of controversy and resistance from neighboring countries. Since the early 2000s, China has begun to strengthen its presence in the region by building infrastructure, such as artificial islands and military facilities. The move drew criticism from countries that have legitimate claims to the region. For example, in 2016, the International Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that China’s claims lacked a sound legal basis, but Beijing refused to recognize the ruling. International intervention also adds a new dimension to these tensions. The United States is actively involved in ensuring freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, conducting maritime patrols and holding military exercises with its allied countries. This is often met with protests from China, which sees it as interference in regional affairs. Meanwhile, power dynamics in the region continue to change. A number of countries, such as Indonesia, have also begun to adopt a firmer stance regarding their maritime rights, especially regarding China’s claims around the Natunas. In this context, ASEAN seeks to unite the voices of its members to face emerging challenges, although the process is often hampered by differing perspectives among member countries. Apart from that, the impact of this tension is also felt in the economic aspect. Exports and imports through the South China Sea are significant, and political uncertainty could disrupt global supply chains. International companies, especially in the energy sector, are starting to evaluate the risks of their investments in the region. The art of diplomacy and negotiation is important for all parties. Open dialogue and cooperation must be initiated to resolve disputes peacefully, while maintaining the rights and interests of each party. Bilateral and multi-lateral agreements may be a way to ease tensions and find mutually beneficial solutions. This condition has encouraged the formation of discussion forums, such as the East Asia Summit and the ASEAN Regional Forum, which aim to build trust and reduce tensions. However, a comprehensive settlement still appears difficult to achieve given the complexity of the claims and the various interests involved. The crisis in the South China Sea has also highlighted the need for a deep understanding of international legal issues related to the sea. The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is the main reference for resolving these disputes, but its implementation is often complicated in the field. Therefore, the international community needs to collaborate with both parties to encourage constructive dialogue. Tensions in the South China Sea not only impact the countries directly involved, but also have broad implications for regional and global geopolitical and economic stability.