INTERNATIONAL BODY: CHINA has no historical rights to the south china sea.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration has issued its Award in the South China Sea Arbitration matter, in favor of the Philippines, in the case of Republic of the Philippines vs. The People's Republic of China. "The Tribunal concluded that there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources within the sea areas falling within the 'Nine-Dash Line.'" 

Readers who are following the case, for Country Risk purposes, regarding China, and the nations who also have claims to the South China Sea, can find the complete text of the Award here.