September 29, 2025Open Access

China’s Challenge to the International Law of the Sea in Context of South China Sea Problem

Key Points

China exhibits a pragmatic approach to international law, impacting its claims in the South China Sea.
The study questions whether China will adhere to international norms or manipulate them for its interests.
As a dominant riparian state, China's compliance with established law could reshape regional dynamics.
Existing norms of international law are challenged by China's assertive policies in the South China Sea.

Abstract

This study examines the South China Sea problem within the framework of China's approach to the International Law of the Sea. One of the important questions of the study is whether China, which is the most powerful among all riparian states in the region and the most assertive in terms of its policies, will comply with the existing international law in order to protect its claims and increase its control in the region. In this context, it has been questioned whether China will adapt to the existing norms of the international law of the sea or whether it will instrumentalize the existing legal structure in line with its own interests. Study finds that China adopts a more pragmatic approach to the international law of the sea rather than a purely revisionist stance.

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