Philippines seeks arbitration over South China Sea

The Philippines will seek arbitration in the Hague next week over the right to exploit resources within its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea, an area where China also claims several shoals, Reuters reported. Manila has resisted continued pressure from China to delay or drop its admission. A successful ruling for Manila may prompt other claimants in similar disputes to files cases against Beijing. But any ruling would be unenforceable as there is no international body to police such decisions. Tensions between the two countries have become recently strained after a series of military run-ins.