This episode discusses the landmark UNCLOS ruling made by the Permanent Court of Arbitration of The Hague. On July 12, 2016, the tribunal ruled against China’s claims to historic rights within the Nine-Dash Line with regards to its constructions of several artificial islands in the South China Sea, stating that this violated the sovereign rights of the Philippines. The tribunal also ruled that China was in violation of its international obligation to protect the marine environment of the South China Sea, and that its vessels were illegally harassing Filipino fishermen, while interfering with energy exploitation efforts. China declared the award to be null and void, insisting that it was not legally binding, and refused to accept or recognize the tribunal’s decision.
This episode will explore the significance and implications of this UNCLOS ruling, China’s response, and the regional security with Peter Dutton, Director of the China Maritime Studies Institute and a Professor of Strategic Studies at the U.S. Naval War College. Peter’s research focuses on American and Chinese views of sovereignty and international law of the sea, and the strategic implications for United States of China’s international policy choices.