Part 12/14:
The ongoing dispute remains unresolved despite numerous international rulings and diplomatic negotiations. China's display of power—both military and economic—suggests that its control over the majority of the South China Sea is increasingly consolidated, making any challenge to its sovereignty claims extraordinarily difficult.
The region's stability hinges on balancing regional cooperation and international pressure against China's assertive stance. Without significant changes, the risk of escalation, including armed conflict or further militarization, persists.