SEOUL, May 10 (Yonhap) — South Korea is facing a diplomatic challenge as an international tribunal is expected to render its landmark ruling in the Philippines’ legal battle against China over their dispute in the South China Sea as early as this month, observers said Tuesday.

Although Seoul is not embroiled in any spat over the contested waters, it has been closely watching the maritime conflict that has escalated geopolitical tensions involving the United States and China — its security ally and largest trading partner, respectively.

Washington has been pushing to preserve what it calls the “global commons,” or freedom of navigation in the strategically crucial waterway, while Beijing claims the lion’s share of it. This has posed a diplomatic headache for Seoul as it strives to maintain close ties with both powers.

“The South China Sea dispute poses a strategic dilemma for Seoul,” said Hwang Jae-ho, international politics professor at the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. “It needs to make a prudent and smart move to ensure its diplomatic interests.”

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