摘要

The current standoff over Huangyan Island (Scarborough Reef/Shoal) between China and the Philippines is one that above all concerns the sovereignty over the island. The Philippines made its position known in 1997 that it relies on effective occupation of the island as the basis for its claim. This article, a preliminary study, seeks to demonstrate that there are not two competing titles respecting Huangyan Island's ownership, but only one, i.e., China's. Even in terms of the doctrine of effective occupation, China has a superior claim to the title to the island.