South China Sea: Tribunal and the road ahead
China’s unilateral territorial claims in SCS, creation of artificial islands and subsequent militarisation of the region has terrorised certain SE Asian nations.
China’s unilateral territorial claims in SCS, creation of artificial islands and subsequent militarisation of the region has terrorised certain SE Asian nations.
South China Sea (SCS) has grabbed global headlines more often than ever since 2011. As part of the ongoing crisis in SCS, July 12 will be the landmark day in the history on international maritime disputes when the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) gives its verdict in Philippines vs China case based on United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea (UNCLOS). China’s unilateral territorial claims in SCS, creation of artificial islands and subsequent militarisation of the region has terrorised certain SE Asian nations. It has ramifications for India as SCS is in extended periphery of the Indian Ocean Region. ET explains:
HAGUE ARBITRATION
The PCA will rule on a case brought by the Philippines against China over its territorial claims. On July 7, 2015, case hearings began with the Philippines asking PCA to invalidate China’s claims. On October 29, 2015, the court agreed to take up seven of the 15 submis sions made by Manila, in particular whether Scar borough Shoal and low-tide areas like Mischief Reef both in SCS can be considered islands.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/south-china-sea-tribunal-and-the-road-ahead/articleshow/53073722.cms