Misleading Insights

Posted: 14 Feb 2013

See all articles by Zhihua Zheng

Zhihua Zheng

Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Date Written: January 1, 2013

Abstract

With respect to China’s SCS map, some problems indeed exist, such as the presence of some vagueness, lack of accuracy in some aspects, slight inconsistency between maps of different times without being supplied with necessary explanations. However, all scholarly analyses and argumentations must be based on reasonable doubts and stem from a fair and neutral position, instead of resorting to groundless censure from a certain partial position. The U-shaped line drawn by the Chinese government in 1947 at the median position between China’s SCS islands and reefs and the coastlines of bordering States reflects the scope of China’s claims and its intent. The consistency of the claims has been maintained by PRC after 1949, while the claims have been recognized or acquiesced to by bordering States over a long period of time. Therefore, the map with the U-shaped line has strong probative force and weight under international law.

Keywords: South China Sea, U-shaped line, Map evidence, Evidentiary value, Will of the State, Consistency

Suggested Citation

Zheng, Zhihua, Misleading Insights (January 1, 2013). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2215503

Zhihua Zheng (Contact Author)

Shanghai Jiao Tong University ( email )

1954 Huashan road
Shanghai, Shanghai 200030
China

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Abstract Views
275
PlumX Metrics