US lays out case against 'unlawful' China maritime claims

People protesting against China's claims in the South China Sea in Jakarta on Dec 8, 2021. - AFP

WASHINGTON (AFP): The United States on Wednesday (Jan 12) laid out its most detailed case yet against Beijing's "unlawful" claims in the South China Sea, rejecting both the geographic and historic bases for its vast, divisive map.

In a 47-page research paper, the State Department's Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs said China had no basis under international law for claims that have put Beijing on a collision course with the Philippines, Vietnam and other South-East Asian nations.