First, the significance of the arbitration ruling. Throughout my 30 some years, I have been a student of international law, you can call me a half-baked international lawyer. But from my view, it was the most, most remarkable decision in my lifetime. Well, especially, you know,the judgment was clearly handed down to both parties carrying us to the effect that China's claims to the historical rights or other sovereign rights or jurisdiction with respect to the maritime areas encompassed by the nine-dash line was judged to be contrary to the UNCLOS. This is a significant decision.

Yamagami, S. (2016, December 24). The importance of the arbitration ruling on the South China Sea. The Philippine Star, pp. 9, 14.