The lack of unity among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in stopping China’s continuing construction work in disputed waters is increasing the conflict in the already tense West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), legal experts said. They urged the 10-member group to show unity and might against China as it continues to defy the ruling of an international arbitral tribunal on the case filed by the Philippines against Beijing. Last month, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) based in The Hague ruled that China has no historical right to claim much of the West Philippine Sea, invalidating Beijing’s nine-dash-line on which it based it maritime claim.

Delizo, M. J. T. (2016, August 9). Asean disunity heightens sea tension- experts. The Manila Times, p. A3.