Analysis: Waters rage in South China Sea (Part 1)
On 12 July the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), at The Hague, handed down a landmark decision in a case the Philippines had brought against China in 2013 regarding Beijing’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea.
Many were stunned by the comprehensive nature of the PCA’s verdict in Manila’s favour. Indeed, the decision was nothing less than a damning indictment of Chinese policy and behaviour. Andrew Erickson, professor of strategy at the US Naval War College, commented: ‘This is a remarkable victory for the Philippines. Many will be struck by the fact that the tribunal found Beijing to
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