Even when the International Tribunal at the Permanent Court of Arbitration at the Hague ruled its SCS historic claim as illegal, China refused to acknowledge the ruling. Party-List Congressman Francisco Ashley Acedillo told a forum the reasons towards China’s intent in forging ahead with their claims, which started with the First Island Chain and on the Second Island Chain. Acedillo said China, once it has secured the area bounded by the two island chains, could prevent the US Navy from proceeding from their bases in Guam and Hawaii to assist Taiwan in an invasion by the People’s Liberation Army.

Mercene, F. (2017, March 20). Why China needs Benham Rise (2). Manila Bulletin. p. 13.