China has been extending itself beyond its territorial waters in the South China Sea. Japan and Vietnam have been affected, but the expansion is mostly at the expense of the Philippines. China has gone so far as to build an artificial island in Philippine waters. In doing so, it destroyed a coral reef, disrupted the Philippine’s fishing industry, and is interfering with its oil operations.
So the Philippines filed a complaint with an international tribunal. China lost its case. But it is refusing to comply with the ruling and is rattling its saber, blaming interference by the United States.
From News from The Associated Press:
An international tribunal rejected China’s extensive claims in the South China Sea in a landmark ruling Tuesday that also found the country had aggravated the seething regional dispute and violated the Philippines’ maritime rights by building up artificial islands that destroyed coral reefs and by disrupting fishing and oil exploration.
While the decision is seen as a major legal declaration regarding one of the world’s most contested regions, China immediately rejected it as a “farce” and the true impact is uncertain given the tribunal has no power of enforcement.
While the findings cannot reverse China’s actions, it still constitutes a rebuke, carrying with it the force of the international community’s opinion. It also gives heart to small countries in Asia that have helplessly chafed at China’s expansionism, backed by its military and economic power.
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The Chinese have issued a furious response, blaming the United States.
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