Philippines has won the South China Sea case against China, with the international tribunal in The Hague ruling that China has no historic rights over the disputed waters and has violated Manila’s sovereign rights with its actions. But the verdict may not contribute to a resolution of the dispute, with some experts even arguing that the ruling might stoke tensions. Beijing has angrily rejected the verdict and vowed to ‘defend its sovereignty and maritime interests’. Its reaction is nothing new and was expected. Beijing doesn’t accept the authority and jurisdiction of the international tribunal and had boycotted the hearings at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.
At the same time, the verdict is a huge victory for Philippines because it overwhelmingly rejects China’s claims. Philippines took the case to the international tribunal with the hope of finding a peaceful and internationally acceptable solution to the long-running dispute with China. And other countries in the region which are locked in maritime disputes with China might feel encouraged to follow Philippines’ example.
Despite China’s rejection, Manila will be able to pursue its case more vigorously and will be able to win more international backing, which is likely to rile China. The verdict is also, in a sense, a personal victory for recently elected President Rodrigo Duterte, who advocates an aggressive and tough stance against China. But toughness and obstinacy will not help solve bilateral disputes. Caution and diplomacy will.
The Hague tribunal is supremely qualified to handle this dispute, but for any such verdict to work there must be a willingness among all sides to respect it even if it goes against the interests of one party. This is a bilateral dispute and no solution is possible without the whole-hearted efforts of both sides. The Hague verdict must act as a catalyst for more negotiations and interaction, not as an excuse for ratcheting up tension. Chinese and Philippine officials will have to sit across the table to find a solution and reduce tension, and a solution will be worth all the concessions and sacrifices required from both sides because it will bring peace and stability to a region which is tense and on the verge of a confrontation.
The United Nations and the international community must take a more pro-active role in the South China Sea dispute. China, as a superpower, has a duty to refrain from actions that will stoke feelings of insecurity among its smaller and weaker neighbours. Philippines, meanwhile, can build on the gains at The Hague through diplomatic channels.
Philippines has won the South China Sea case against China, with the international tribunal in The Hague ruling that China has no historic rights over the disputed waters and has violated Manila’s sovereign rights with its actions. But the verdict may not contribute to a resolution of the dispute, with some experts even arguing that the ruling might stoke tensions. Beijing has angrily rejected the verdict and vowed to ‘defend its sovereignty and maritime interests’. Its reaction is nothing new and was expected. Beijing doesn’t accept the authority and jurisdiction of the international tribunal and had boycotted the hearings at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.
At the same time, the verdict is a huge victory for Philippines because it overwhelmingly rejects China’s claims. Philippines took the case to the international tribunal with the hope of finding a peaceful and internationally acceptable solution to the long-running dispute with China. And other countries in the region which are locked in maritime disputes with China might feel encouraged to follow Philippines’ example.
Despite China’s rejection, Manila will be able to pursue its case more vigorously and will be able to win more international backing, which is likely to rile China. The verdict is also, in a sense, a personal victory for recently elected President Rodrigo Duterte, who advocates an aggressive and tough stance against China. But toughness and obstinacy will not help solve bilateral disputes. Caution and diplomacy will.
The Hague tribunal is supremely qualified to handle this dispute, but for any such verdict to work there must be a willingness among all sides to respect it even if it goes against the interests of one party. This is a bilateral dispute and no solution is possible without the whole-hearted efforts of both sides. The Hague verdict must act as a catalyst for more negotiations and interaction, not as an excuse for ratcheting up tension. Chinese and Philippine officials will have to sit across the table to find a solution and reduce tension, and a solution will be worth all the concessions and sacrifices required from both sides because it will bring peace and stability to a region which is tense and on the verge of a confrontation.
The United Nations and the international community must take a more pro-active role in the South China Sea dispute. China, as a superpower, has a duty to refrain from actions that will stoke feelings of insecurity among its smaller and weaker neighbours. Philippines, meanwhile, can build on the gains at The Hague through diplomatic channels.
