One month after the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) decided an award on the Philippines’ arbitration proceedings against China on interpretation and application of 1982 UN Convention on Law of Sea, public shows concern over implementation of the ruling.
Although it would take much time and effort for the ruling to be implemented, the public agree that PCA is a legal tool for the East Sea issue in the future.
The arbitral proceedings since the Philippines filed a lawsuit to the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2013 were in compliance with the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
PCA’s decisions are internationally recognized and legally binding to parties involved in the case.
Efforts to seek peaceful measures
The Philippines’ lawsuit against China has not complicated the situation but it aims to resolve disputes by peaceful means without using or threatening to use force in addressing international disputes.
It shows respect to international law and illustrates the international community’s effort.
Once countries had discussed and agreed on an international legal framework, they have to adjust their behaviors in dealing with maritime demarcation issues.
The PCA’s ruling is the first of its kind on the East Sea issue. It provides a common interpretation of some contents in the UNCLOS, which were unclear among involved parties, including the structures of features in the Spratly archipelago.
The interpretation will be a legal foundation to be applicable to similar cases in the future.
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