In retrospect, the effort was well worth it, at least from a legal standpoint. On 12 July 2016, three years since filing the case on 22 January 2013, the Philippines secured a favorable ruling which clarified important aspects of the South China Sea disputes.
A territorial row between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea has turned increasingly violent, with the two sides trading allegations of intentional boat rammings, and Manila accusing Chinese coastguard personnel of using water cannon against its troops and engaging in fist fights with spears and knives.
The Philippines' formal claims, and proclaimed so in a 1978 decree by President Marcos, on certain land features in the Spratlys islands group in the South China Sea, called the Kalayan (“Freedom” in Filipino) Group, have been made under the doctrine of Res nullius (ineffective sovereignty) and their geographical ...
On July 12, 2016, the arbitral tribunal adjudicating the Philippines' case against China in the South China Sea ruled overwhelmingly in favor of the Philippines, determining that major elements of China's claim—including its nine-dash line, recent land reclamation activities, and other activities in Philippine waters— ...
In its ruling, the Tribunal firmly rejected any PRC territorial or maritime claim to areas determined by the Tribunal to be part of the Philippines' exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. As provided under the Convention, the 2016 arbitral decision is final and legally binding on the PRC and the Philippines.
The Spratly Islands consist of more than 100 small islands or reefs surrounded by rich fishing grounds -- and potentially by gas and oil deposits. China, Taiwan, and Vietnam all claim the islands in their entirety, while portions are claimed by Malaysia and the Philippines.
South China Sea Dispute Causes The main cause of this dispute is the claim of different territories over the Sea and territorial demarcation of the sea. The Sea is said to be a major source of natural resources for the different territories.
Philippine stance The Philippine's decision to initiate the arbitration was prompted by the 2012 Scarborough Shoal fishing dispute and the standoff that resulted during the dispute.