The issue of sovereignty in the PH-China dispute over the WPS

IN a matter of weeks, so go the reports, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) of the United Nations will render its judgment on the complaint brought to it by the Philippines against China in their dispute on the West Philippine Sea. Speculations are rife that we will win the case. China, over the past period, has been in some frenzy of strengthening ties with allies, which observers see as Chinese maneuver to generate support for its defiance of its anticipated loss in the PCA proceedings. But lest we be misguided in our own expectations on the case, it is best that we ascertain exactly what the PCA will decide on.

As reflected in its Award of Jurisdiction and Admissibility, which the PCA issued Oct. 2015, the Philippines is seeking from the arbitral body relief which we quote at length as follows: