Territorial disputes rank as one of the leading causes of wars between nations. According to the UN there are more than 150 such disputes between member states. For more details follow this link to an interactive map of territorial disputes.
Dangerous Simmering Territorial Disputes
China and India fought a war in 1962 over Aksia Chin, Tawang, and Arunachal Pradesh. The most recent incident in the summer of 2020 included more than 60 deaths and the first gunshots in nearly 50 years. For the moment, the nuclear armed powers with nearly 1/3 of the world’s population have calmed, but not solved the conflict.
Nuclear armed India and Pakistan have fought three wars over the disputed Kashmir region dating to the end of colonial rule in 1947. While the last formal war ended 50 years ago, continued violence both within and sometimes outside the disputed area keeps tensions high.
China claims the entire South China Sea. They have even created man-made islands as potential military bases. The Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Vietnam also have claims on portions of the area. Outside players including the US, Japan, and the UK generally oppose China’s claims by asserting ‘freedom of passage’ rights with their naval forces. With Taiwan located just to the north of the area, the South China Sea represents one of the most complicated territorial disputes.
Even Friends Disagree
The 5,525 mile (8,892 Km) border between the US and Canada is the longest between any two countries. Despite any hassles you may have had crossing, it’s also often referred to as the longest undefended border in the world. The Haskell Free Library and Opera House sits astride the border between the US state of Vermont and the Canadian province of Quebec. The main entrance, which is in the US, is accessible to Canadians without the going through customs.
Despite this amity, five territorial disputes remain open between the US and Canada.
Machias Seal Island – 20 acre island with a lighthouse
Strait of Juan de Fuca – Fishing zone dispute over ~20 sq mi of water
Beaufort Sea – Interpretation of an 1825 Anglo-Russian treaty written in French, 8,280 sq mi of sea
Northwest Passage – US claims the passage is international, Canada claims it as internal waters
Dixon Entrance (Alaska & British Columbia) – Dispute over interpretation of 1903 arbitration decision
Featured Map
W
hile none of these disputes is likely to lead to conflict, the last of them does create two small areas (28 & 0.5 sq mi) of ocean unclaimed by either nation, which brings us to our featured map courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Bir Tawil, the white area on the map, holds the distinction of being the only piece of unclaimed land on Earth outside of Antarctica. The larger green area, Hala’ib which has sea access and better soil, is claimed by both. Why does neither want Bir Tawil? The treaty of 1899 gives Hala’ib to Egypt and Bir Tawil to Sudan while the 1902 treaty does the opposite. As such each recognizes the treaty giving them Hala’ib and neither claims Bir Tawil.
As always thanks for reading.
Armen
Note to pay the bills: A territorial dispute forms the backdrop for Warders Book #2, The Counterfeit Count. The Warder series features James Bond-like action in a fantasy setting. Check out a summary of the series here or find links to purchase books here. Additionally, please consider signing up for my FREE newsletter. It will contain previews, announcements, and contests. It will not overwhelm your inbox – I’m thinking once a month or less depending on news.