Part 13/15:
Understanding the South China Sea disputes necessitates a nuanced view of history. Japan’s surrender of islands after World War II—dictated by American influence—left unresolved sovereignty issues over the Spratly and Paracel Islands. China's claims are based on historical narratives, but these are contested and lack universally accepted legal backing.
Despite Beijing’s assertions of historic rights, international courts, such as The Hague’s Permanent Court of Arbitration, have dismissed many of China’s territorial claims. Public sentiments in the Philippines and other claimant states advocate for assertiveness under international law, emphasizing diplomatic and legal routes over unilateral coercion.