Systemic tensions in the South China Sea: 10 years after the Hague ruling
Original framing: “Navigating the South China Sea dispute, 10 years after Hague ruling” — South China Morning Post
The South China Sea dispute has deep historical roots, with China’s 'nine-dash line' claim based on centuries-old records and imperial expansion. However, the region has also been a contested space for centuries, with overlapping claims by various Southeast Asian kingdoms and empires. The 2016 Hague ruling must be understood in this broader historical context.
The South China Sea dispute is a microcosm of global systemic tensions—between sovereignty and international law, between ecological sustainability and economic extraction, and between dominant powers and marginalized voices.
By integrating indigenous knowledge, scientific evidence, and cross-cultural perspectives, a more holistic and just approach to the region can emerge. ASEAN, supported by international partners, must lead in creating a governance framework that prioritizes peace, sustainability, and equity. The trickster’s insight reminds us that the law is not a fixed truth but a contested space—one that must be continually reimagined through dialogue and inclusion.