Publication

This commentary outlines a possible way for the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei to reconcile their competing claims to the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. The author highlights the importance of this reconciliation, noting that an agreement would make it easier for ASEAN countries to work together when dealing with Beijing's territorial claims. She then presents her solution for reconciliation which bares resemblance to the principle of uti possidetis – where in absence of agreement to the contrary, everybody is entitled to keep what they have. The author notes that after any territorial resolution, the states must agree on which protrusions are rocks, and which are islands, as this affects the zoning and, in turn, the exploitation of natural resources.