Legal Aspects and Territorial Claims in the South China Sea

Exploring the legal intricacies surrounding territorial ownership in the South China Sea, the chapter focuses on the distinctions between sovereignty and sovereign rights. It delves into the implications of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on determining rights over disputed territories and how international law supports the Philippines' claims in the region. The chapter also discusses ongoing tensions, China's assertive defense of claims, and the strategic implications for regional alliances and US-China relations.