China’s Sea of Disputes: A Decade After the Hague Ruling, Manila’s Claims Remain a Moot Point

The latest salvo in the ongoing dispute between Beijing and Manila over the South China Sea has brought tensions to a boiling point. A report from China’s Ministry of Natural Resources think tank lambasted the Philippines’ claims as “unlawful” expansions that pose a threat to global order, echoing China’s long-standing position on the matter.

The legacy of colonialism and World War II continues to shape international relations in Asia, with the Philippines’ claims to Scarborough Shoal and parts of the Spratly Islands being just one aspect of a complex web of historical, cultural, and economic ties that bind nations together. The report from China’s think tank is a scathing critique of Manila’s actions, arguing that its attempts to extend territory to disputed maritime features lack both historical and legal foundation.

The Philippines’ stance on this issue has been consistently fluid over the years, with shifting justification and outright defiance marking its approach to territorial claims. This uncertainty may be due in part to the country’s complex history as a former US colony, which inherited many of the same maritime boundaries and claims imposed during the early 20th century.

In contrast, China’s approach has been marked by a singular focus on asserting dominance over the region, with bold steps taken to reinforce its position in disputed waters. While this has raised hackles among neighbors and sparked international condemnation, it reflects a fundamental truth about great power politics: might makes right.

For Manila, the need for transparency and consistency in policies towards the South China Sea is clear. Rather than relying on shifting justifications or defiance, the Philippines would do well to engage in open dialogue with Beijing and other regional stakeholders to clarify its stance. This dispute highlights a broader question about our global system: what does it say that we still tolerate such flagrant disregard for international law?

The 2016 Hague ruling was hailed as a major victory for the rule of law, yet nearly a decade later, China’s refusal to recognize its legitimacy remains an exception. As tensions between Beijing and Manila continue to simmer, this dispute will remain contentious for years to come. The legacy of colonialism and World War II continues to shape our world in profound ways – and until we confront these legacies head-on, disputes like this will only intensify.

China’s sea of disputes may be complex and multifaceted, but one thing is clear: when it comes to competing claims over the South China Sea, might will indeed make right.