China's South China Sea Claims Dashed by Hague Court Ruling
- Court rules against China’s efforts to control South China Sea
- China says ruling is null and void and won’t respect it
Why China's Territorial Disputes Could Mean War
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China’s prestige as a rising global power suffered a blow as an international tribunal said its efforts to assert control over the South China Sea exceeded the law.
The ruling is a rebuff to years of Chinese activity in the waterway. Under President Xi Jinping, China has built a web of artificial islands with runways and lighthouses. It has shooed away planes and ships from other nations, and its coast guard has clashed with fishing boats. At the heart of Xi’s actions is a bid to restore China to great power status and push back against decades of U.S. influence.