China is set to defy world opinion and go rogue. Here’s why:
In a few weeks, the decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration at the International Court of Justice in The Hague is expected to be announced. It is widely expected that the tribunal will decide in favor of the Philippines’ central complaint that China’s brazen occupation of rocks, islets and artificial islands in the South China Sea, including the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, violates the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, of which both nations are signatories. An adverse ruling that rewards China’s bad behavior and makes a mockery of the Unclos would be unthinkable.
China warned in 2013 when the case was filed that it would not recognize the tribunal’s ruling. That is not a frivolous threat. That’s why it solidified its stake in the disputed waters by illegally constructing airfields, docks, and military installations defended by missiles. Obviously, it aims to stay on those facilities for good, confident that possession is supreme to law.
Why would China tarnish its reputation in the global community at a time when its leadership is reaching out to the world?

Read more: http://opinion.inquirer.net/94169/why-china-will-go-rogue#ixzz45b0wvOlV
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