The law behind China's claims

Making a stand: Protesters holding a banner which means 'Do not sell Paracels' during a rally against China to mark the 40th anniversary of China's 'illegal occupation' of the Paracels in the South China Sea, in Hanoi, Vietnam. - EPA

According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos), a coastal state is entitled to various ocean or maritime zones measured from its shores.

TERRITORIAL disputes in the South China Sea have long been regarded as one of Asia’s potential flashpoints. The main claimants of the four large island groups in the area are China, Vietnam and the Philippines. Malaysia and Brunei also have claims, but these involve much smaller areas.