The Simmering Territorial Dispute In South China Sea: A Legal Perspective

Since the ancient times and for centuries, South China Sea has been the hub of transmission of trade, culture and political power in its neighboring countries from the main centers of power located in China and India. It has been the medium of communication and transportations for trade goods through merchant fleets, ships and vessels. Besides that, it has been the center of naval fleets moving to Indian oceans and Pacific oceans for political access in South East Asia. South China Sea has always been noteworthy to China, for being an area of influence due to its location. Currently, it is evolving as an important pillar of China’s national interest and national sovereignty which is based on the substantial features of the South China Sea. However, along with China, there are other countries such as Philippine and Vietnam with their strong claims either on the basis of historical influence or on the basis of United Nations’ Convention on the Law of Sea