The Philippines has been prevented by China from fishing and exploration activities in the South China Sea, Manila’s lead counsel told the Permanent Court of Arbitration on the first day of hearing on the merits of the arbitration case against China. Principal Counsel Paul Reichler “mentioned that China has asserted exclusive rights over the areas covered by [its] nine-dash line and has deprived the Philippines of fishing and exploration activities,” said a statement by Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail DLF. Valte. China’s nine-dash line claim over much of the South China Sea overlaps with the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone.

Tubadeza, K. M. P. (2015, November 26). Fishing, exploration impeded by China - PHL to Hague court. BusinessWorld, p. S1/12.