South China Sea Arbitration: Roots and Consequences
South China Sea Arbitration: Roots and Consequences

Author(s): Rafał Tarnogórski
Subject(s): International relations/trade, Geopolitics
Published by: PISM Polski Instytut Spraw Międzynarodowych
Keywords: China; international law
Summary/Abstract: An arbitration tribunal has unanimously rejected Chinese “historical rights” to the maritime areas of the South China Sea. The award is final and although it is not binding except on the parties and with respect to this particular dispute, the European Union has acknowledged it, adding to its legal force. However, China’s uncompromising attitude on this issue may increase tensions in the region. The possibility of incidents involving the Chinese and Philippine navies is growing, but the participation of American ships is less likely. The ruling may prompt China to denounce the Convention on the Law of the Sea and decreases the likelihood it will be ratified by the United States.

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