Rule of law in South China Sea

China has been strengthening its maritime legislation framework for decades, building a robust set of domestic laws to provide a legal basis for its rights over relevant waters. How can international and domestic rule of law help bring peace in the South China Sea? Can we expect more cooperation to emerge between the claimant countries involved? As this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-Philippines relations, can the two sides seize the opportunity to improve ties?