What happened?
On 2 August, German Brandenburg-class frigate Bayern (Bavaria) the warship was deployed to the South China Sea from Wilhelmshaven on a six-month voyage. Germany has sent its warship for the first time in almost two decades; it is expected to cross the South China Sea in mid-December. German Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said: "We want existing law to be respected, sea routes to be freely navigable, open societies to be protected and trade to follow fair rules."

On 6 August, China started a five-day-long naval drill in the South China Sea. On the same day, the Indian navy also deployed a naval task group of four warships for two months. China's foreign ministry spokesperson said: "China hopes that the warships of relevant countries will earnestly abide by international law, respect the sovereignty, rights, and interests of countries along the South China Sea and avoid harming regional peace and stability."

What is the background? 
First, the geographical importance of the South China Sea. With a geographical extent of 3.6 million square kilometres, the region is also one of the busiest waterways for trade and merchant shipping. 20 to 30 per cent of global trade is carried through the South China Sea. The region is rich in fossil fuels and fisheries.  According to the World Bank, the region has over seven billion barrels and an estimated 900 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Twelve per cent of the global fish catch is from the region. 

Second, issues and claims in the South China Sea. It has overlapping territorial claims between China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, and Taiwan. Beijing has constructed numerous reefs into man-made artificial islands, and resettled finishing communities; it has also fortified islands with surface-to-air missile systems, equipped islands with runways and weapon systems. In 2016, the international tribunal in Hague ruled against China's claim, but China refused to accept the verdict. The US often deploys its navy warships in the region for freedom of navigation exercises aimed at challenging China's claims. These claims and actions have raised tensions in the region.

Third, recent developments in the region. Countries such as Germany, France, the UK, Australia, the US, and India dispatched their navies in the region. In July 2021, the British aircraft carrier strike group and an American surface action group passed through the South China Sea. These joint drills aim to ensure freedom of navigation operation (FONOPs) in the region to counter China expansionist claims.

Fourth, China's response to the navy builds up in the South China Sea. China has been cautious but also assertive in its response. Beijing has emphasized adherence to international law while passing through the South China Sea. Beijing claims to the sea both on the law of sea convention, and the nine-dash line extends for 20,000 kilometres from mainland China. In March, the Chinese Foreign Minister highlighted the South China Sea as a subject of international law, which other governments shouldn't "undermine the sovereignty and security of the littoral countries." State media accused Britain of "relive the glory days of the British empire" by allying with the US. China has, however, said, the movement of British warships through the South China sea is at the behest of the US. 

What does it mean?
The South China Sea region has turned into the hotbed of contestation between countries. The presence of foreign naval forces in the region might aggravate tensions between Beijing and the West. As countries have started becoming proactive in the region this might embolden Southeast Asian countries to take a stance against China in the coming years.