Power prevails but law still matters in the South China Sea

As countries across the Indo-Pacific ramp up defense spending and forge stronger alliances, the South China Sea remains a hotspot for strategic competition, highlighting the tension between military might and international law. Despite the 2016 Arbitration Award ruling in favor of the Philippines, enforcement remains weak, and nations like China continue to assert their claims through force. This decade-long conflict underscores how global politics increasingly hinge on power dynamics, yet the adherence to international law remains crucial for long-term stability and order in the region.