Philippines/China/South China Sea: Time Is of the Essence in South China Sea Arbitration Case

Jan 13, 2016 | Ernest Bower and Conor Cronin, Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative
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The timing of the decision by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague on the Philippines’ case against China’s nine-dash-line claims has critical geopolitical implications for Asia’s security. Specifically, a decision delivered well before the Philippine presidential election this May would allow the administration of President Benigno Aquino to respond strategically and with continuity, whatever the outcome. A decision delivered after May would in effect roll the dice by putting a new leadership team in Manila in charge of managing the court’s determination.