This question was closed with the answer "yes" on 12 July 2016. The Hague released a summary of their findings, stating that "there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources within the sea areas falling within the 'nine-dash line'" (Press Release). For additional coverage of the issue see: BBC, NY Times, CNN. In 2013, the Philippines started an international legal process aimed at invalidating some of China's territorial claims in the South China Sea, including its "nine-dash line" claim (Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, The National Interest). The Permanent Court of Arbitration at the Hague determined in 2015 that it has jurisdiction over the issue, and it is expected to issue rulings on the case in June 2016 (The Diplomat, The Hague). Recommended Questions Will China officially declare an Air-Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) over any part of the South China Sea before 1 October 2016? Will there be a lethal confrontation in the South or East China Sea region involving China's and another country's national military forces or law enforcement personnel before 1 January 2017?