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

Puntos clave

• 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.

Resumen