China says that its imperial claims over the near entirety of the South China Sea are justified by history and political morality. There is no substance, historical or diplomatic, to these assertions.
Nevertheless, when it comes to rebutting Beijing’s ownership delusions in these most precious waters for trade, fishing, and energy production, it’s best to keep things simple. Geography helps us do so. The measure of a map proves that what China is doing is utterly at odds with even the most basic understandings of international law. I’ve observed this point before, but it’s worth considering the full extent of what China believes is its oceanic birthright. The so-called “nine-dash line” map below encompasses the area China today so ardently claims.
