Defending Philippine Sovereign Rights in the West Philippine Sea

The South China Sea is a crucial international waterway.
Approximately 5.3 trillion US dollars in goods are shipped through this region annually.
- Key exporting nations utilizing this sea: China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.
Significant petroleum dependency:
- 65% of South Korea's petroleum imports pass through the Strait of Malacca.
- 60% of Japan's and Taiwan's petroleum imports utilize this route.
- Currently, 50% of China's petroleum also traverses the Strait, down from 80% before 2015.
The sea accounts for about 12% of global fish catch, largely due to the Spratly Islands' rich fishery resources.

Composed of various atoll reefs, crucial for fish spawning and biodiversity.
Historical context: Spratlys play a major role in maintaining fish populations in surrounding waters.

Rich in methane hydrates, which may exceed the combined reserves of oil and gas globally.
China has begun testing extraction techniques near Guangdong, anticipating that these resources could support its economy for 100 years.

Numerous rocks and islets in the area claim territorial waters extending 12 nautical miles.
Importance of these small land features: they can claim vast maritime areas for resources, leading to territorial disputes between nations.
The South China Sea dispute arises from the strategic and economic value of these geographic features.

The Philippines presented its case at The Hague, arguing for its rights based on features like Pagasa Island.
China's declaration of ownership based on a historical narrative dating back 2000 years was rejected as invalid by the tribunal.
Notably, China did not actively participate in the international tribunal's processes.

Under UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), claims of territorial seas and exclusive economic zones (EEZ) are defined!
A low-tide feature can be used to expand the territorial sea of an island, as confirmed by the tribunal with respect to Pagasa Island.
China’s so-called 9-dash line claim was deemed unfounded and illegal by the tribunal ruling in favor of the Philippines.

China’s maps and declarations over the years reveal inconsistencies and shifts in territorial claims.
For example, in 1947, maps depicted the 9-dash line, which China claims as its territory; however, there are no historical precedents tying these claims to actual control or habitation of the Spratly Islands or Scarborough Shoal.
Evidence presented by the Philippines included over 170 ancient maps showing its historical claims over these territories.

Major powers (US, EU, Japan, Australia) regularly conduct freedom of navigation operations to counter China’s claims and affirm international maritime rights.
The tribunal's ruling has been upheld through demonstrations of military presence from allied nations in the region.

The Philippines is encouraged to secure international backing against Chinese claims by continuing to educate and advocate for adherence to the rule of law to resolve maritime disputes.
The nation must maintain its stance on sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea through diplomatic channels, legal means, and international cooperation.