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Story summary
- The High Seas Treaty took effect on January 17 after ratification by 60 nations, creating protected zones and safeguarding biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction.
- The South China Sea remains a focal point for territorial disputes among regional powers.
- Analysts warn the treaty's focus could shift from conservation to territorial claims.
- It could enable South China Sea claimants to use conservation rhetoric to justify ambitions, turning environmental tools into legal boundary strategies.
