Control of the South China Sea is the most contentious and explosive diplomatic issue in east Asia, with China asserting sovereignty over maritime areas that span 3.5m square kilometres but are also claimed by Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines and Japan. Washington has become deeply involved, backing those against China and conducting military patrols.
Although the case was raised by the Philippines, it will affect all these countries as it effectively punches a series of holes in China’s all-encompassing “nine-dash” demarcation line, a dotted marker in Chinese maps that stretches deep into the South China Sea. It effectively declares large areas of the sea to be neutral international waters. Read more
Although the case was raised by the Philippines, it will affect all these countries as it effectively punches a series of holes in China’s all-encompassing “nine-dash” demarcation line, a dotted marker in Chinese maps that stretches deep into the South China Sea. It effectively declares large areas of the sea to be neutral international waters. Read more
