A piece of rock in the middle of the sea. With a lighthouse. Operated by Singapore. Disputed by Malaysia. Now what?
Singapore won Pedra Blanca, Middle Rocks goes to Malaysia, and South Ledge has a big question mark over it. So what? How does this affect both countries economically? Shipping lines won't change in major ways because of this. Watercraft will still have to travel and reach their land destinations regardless.
And why on earth did Malaysia not at some stage stand up and say "Hey Singapore, move over. We'll handle the lighthouse and administer the island now." Then at least if they had decided they want to take ownership of the lighthouse it'd be more justified that they get it. Instead of doing that, they just go "we own that island" but not take responsibility for the lighthouse on it? Sure the Brits built the lighthouse and it's been cared for by Singapore. But if they'd been more concerned about the shipping lines affected by this lighthouse, this case might have been more to their advantage.
In any case, life goes on. People may get affected emotionally, but the only livelihood that's really on the line is the lighthouse keeper(s), a Singaporean I'm sure, who may lose his/their job(s) over this had Singapore not won.
The International Court of Justice has decided, so let's move on. The media's gotten it all blown up anyway.
PS: I've noticed the spelling mistake. It should be Pedra Branca instead of Pedra Blanca. The article linked to the title of this post has that stated correctly in the article though.
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