COLLEGE OF OUR LADY OF MT.

CARMEL (P)
KM. 78 Mc. Arthur Highway, Brgy. Saguin, City of San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines
Tel. Nos: (045) 435-8744 Loc. 127 / 0907.364.5969 | 0907.364.6636 | www.colmc.edu.ph

NAME: YABUT, PRINCESS JOY I.

PROGRAM, YEAR AND SECTION: BSMT - 2

Read the significant highlights of the South China Sea arbitration between the Philippines and
China and its Arbitral ruling.

• Summarize the points by both countries in the arbitral ruling.

Philippines was asserted that China's historic claims to the South China Sea based on the
"nine-dash line" were inconsistent with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the
Sea (UNCLOS). Contested China's actions in the South China Sea, including the
construction of artificial islands and interference with Philippine fishing and oil
exploration. Sought a declaration that China's claims and actions were illegal under
UNCLOS.

China refused to participate in the arbitration, arguing that the tribunal lacked jurisdiction
and that the Philippines was violating previous agreements to resolve disputes through
negotiation. Insisted on its historical claims based on the "nine-dash line" and
emphasized its sovereignty over the disputed territories. Maintained that the issue was a
matter of sovereignty, not subject to UNCLOS arbitration.

• Give at least three reasons why the arbitral ruling was rendered in favor of the
Philippines.

1. The tribunal invalidated China's historic nine-dash line, which defined its South China
Sea territorial claims, stating it lacked legal basis under UNCLOS. This decision, crucial
in undermining China's expansive claims, emphasized the need for territorial claims to
adhere to UNCLOS principles.
2. The arbitration panel clarified the status of various features in the South China Sea. It
determined that certain maritime features claimed by China, including some of the
artificial islands it had constructed, were not entitled to generate exclusive economic
zones (EEZs). This decision limited the extent of China's maritime claims and upheld the
legal definitions of different types of features under UNCLOS.
3. The tribunal found that China's construction of artificial islands and interference with
Philippine fishing and oil exploration violated the Philippines' sovereign rights and were
incompatible with UNCLOS.

Compassionate & competent, Assertive & accomplished, Resilient & respectful, Moral & ethical, Excellence & enthusiastic, Lifelong-learner

Ut Serve Est Amare

 COLLEGE OF OUR LADY OF MT. CARMEL (P)
KM. 78 Mc. Arthur Highway, Brgy. Saguin, City of San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines
Tel. Nos: (045) 435-8744 Loc. 127 / 0907.364.5969 | 0907.364.6636 | www.colmc.edu.ph

• After the said arbitral ruling, what did any parties do to enforce the said arbitral ruling?

The Philippines sought diplomatic means to enforce the ruling and called for international
support. However, there were no immediate direct enforcement actions. China rejected the
ruling, asserting that it was null and void, and continued its activities in the disputed region.
China intensified its military presence in the South China Sea, including the deployment of
military assets to the artificial islands. While some countries supported the ruling and called for
its respect, the lack of a strong enforcement mechanism allowed China to continue its activities
without facing immediate consequences. The situation remained a contentious issue in
international relations, with ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the disputes.

References: https://www.uscc.gov/research/south-china-sea-arbitration-ruling-what-happened-
and-whats-next

Compassionate & competent, Assertive & accomplished, Resilient & respectful, Moral & ethical, Excellence & enthusiastic, Lifelong-learner

Ut Serve Est Amare