What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to explore the legal and geopolitical implications of naming the region as the West Philippine Sea versus the South China Sea.

April 13, 2026Open Access

Between Law and Power: The Limits of International Law in the Philippine-China Dispute over the West Philippine Sea

Key Points

The aim is to explore the legal and geopolitical implications of naming the region as the West Philippine Sea versus the South China Sea.
Analyzed legal documents including UNCLOS and the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling.
Reviewed historical and geopolitical context of the naming dispute.
Engaged with both legal and academic literature on the topic.
The term 'West Philippine Sea' is legally supported by UNCLOS and the 2016 ruling.
Geopolitical factors influence the adoption of the term in the Philippines.
Limits of international law are highlighted in enforcing principles regarding territorial claims.

Abstract

This paper examines the legal, historical, and geopolitical basis for the use of the term “West Philippine Sea” over “South China Sea,” with reference to UNCLOS and the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling. This version, originally written for an undergraduate course, is now available for public academic discussion.

Between Law and Power: The Limits of International Law in the Philippine-China Dispute over the West Philippine Sea

Key Points

Abstract

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