The South China Sea Arbitration Case Filed by the Philippines against China: Arguments concerning Low Tide Elevations, Rocks, and Islands

中菲南海仲裁案：有关低潮高地、岩礁和岛屿的主张

宋燕辉(Yann-huei SONG)

《中国海洋法学评论》 21期 (2015/06) Pp. 322-360

摘要

On March 30, 2014, the Philippines submitted its Memorial to the Arbitral Tribunal, which presents the country's case on the jurisdiction of the Tribunal and the merits of its claims. In the Memorial, the Philippines argues that Mischief Reef, Second Thomas Shoal, Subi Reef, Gaven Reef, McKennan Reef, Hughes Reef are low-tide elevations, and that Scarborough Shoal, Johnson Reef, Cuarteron Reef, and Fiery Cross Reef are ＂rocks＂, therefore these land features cannot generate entitlement to a 200-nautical-mile EEZ or continental shelf. This paper discusses if the claims made by the Philippines are well founded in fact and law. It concludes that it would be difficult for the Tribunal to rule in favor of the Philippines' claims.

關鍵字

Arbitration ； South China Sea ； China ； The Philippines ； Low tide elevation ； Island ； Rock ； UNCLOS