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Philippines wins arbitration case vs. China over South China Sea

By: Matikas Santos
@MSantosINQ
INQUIRER.net
05:05 PM July 12th, 2016
 

The Philippine delegation argues its case against China’s “nine-dash line” claim in the South China Sea before the International tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). Photo: Permanent Court of Arbitration

It has finally been decided that the West Philippines Sea (South China Sea) rightfully belongs to the Philippines and not to China, according to the decision of the United Nations (UN) Arbitral Tribunal.

The Tribunal issued its Award Tuesday, July 12, 2016 after several months of hearings and submission of documents. China was absent throughout the proceedings, refusing to recognize the case.

“The Tribunal concluded that there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources within the sea areas falling within the ‘nine-dash line.’” the statement said.

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“The Tribunal further held that Chinese law enforcement vessels had unlawfully created a serious risk of collision when they physically obstructed Philippine vessels,” it said.

The Spratly Islands and its many reefs are being claimed by China under its “nine-dash line” claim that covers nearly the entire South China Sea including parts of the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

China insists it has “historic rights” in asserting its ownership of the region believed to be rich in natural gas resources and also a vital trade route for international cargo ships.

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