ABSTRACT
In the short-term and regardless of whether a traditional or non-traditional view is taken of regional maritime security, the decision by the Philippines to take China to international arbitration over its maritime claims has had a negative impact on regional maritime security. This non-consensual move has added fuel to the “war of words” in the South China Sea, increased tensions, and inhibited progress towards a binding Code of Conduct, as well as towards the development of effective co-operation for managing the sea and its resources.
