The long road to legal victory

MANILA, Philippines — The maritime dispute over the South China Sea stems from China's nine-dash line claim over the region, which overlaps with the Philippines's 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone.

The Philippines was the first country to challenge China's excessive claims over the disputed waters. Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore also have overlapping claims in the South China Sea.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration based in The Hague, Netherlands is set to issue its final award on the Philippines's arbitration case against China on July 12 at approximately 5 p.m. (Manila Time). — Levi A. So and Patricia Lourdes Viray

LIVE updates: Verdict on the South China Sea