A new book by British international law professor Anthony Carty has provided academic support for China’s position on the South China Sea, offering a comprehensive historical analysis that underscores China’s claims over the region.
Titled “The History and Sovereignty of South China Sea“, the book represents decades of meticulous research by Professor Carty, who is currently affiliated with the Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT). Drawing from primary source materials in national archives across the United Kingdom, France, and the United States, Carty’s work delves into the historical complexities of the South China Sea issue.
In the preface, Professor Carty emphasizes that his research was conducted independently over the past decade, without commissions or feedback from Chinese authorities. His objective approach aims to shed light on the legal and historical facets of the South China Sea disputes.
At a symposium held in Beijing on March 20, 2024, Professor Carty discussed his findings, stating that legal advice and political decision-making are often influenced by political pressures and strategic considerations rather than purely legal perspectives. He highlighted how the strategic interests of powerful nations can sway interpretations of international law, expressing his desire to promote equitable solutions to the South China Sea issue through his research.
Li Shouping, president of the Beijing Society of International Law and dean of BIT’s law school, praised Carty’s work at the symposium. “Professor Carty’s research provides an insightful analysis of the root causes of the complexity of the South China Sea issue,” Li said. “It proves China’s sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao (the South China Sea Islands) from a historical perspective and reawakens the value of national archives for international law.”
The book has been published in Chinese, making its detailed analysis accessible to a wider audience in China and beyond. Scholars and legal experts believe that Carty’s work will contribute significantly to the understanding of the South China Sea disputes and support efforts toward peaceful resolution.
The symposium attracted academics, legal practitioners, and policymakers interested in maritime sovereignty and international law, highlighting the global significance of the South China Sea and the importance of historical evidence in territorial claims.
Reference(s):
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