What could be the impact of the most recent development relative to the South China Sea dispute between China and the Philippines?

It can be noted that the international arbitration court already came out with a decision on the case brought by the Southeast Asian country.

According to the ruling, China's claim over the disputed Spratly Island has been invalidated.

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Considering this scenario, what could have been its notable effect?

In its report, USA Today disclosed that several nationalists have protested infront of the outlets of the American fastfood giant KFC in the mainland.

The call to boycott the company was reportedly an impact of the South China Sea dispute as protesters believed that Washington influenced Manila to object Beijing's claim over a huge part of the ocean.

Aside from KFC, American tech brand Apple reportedly suffered the same fate as well.

James Roy of the research firm China Market Research Group explained that "The Chinese public, as optimistic and positive as they are, are deeply patriotic and nationalistic, especially people who are younger."

He further noted that following the South China Sea dispute, the alleged impact was felt by the two companies since they "are just very closely associated with the United States, and you are seeing people picking the closest symbol they can think of to demonstrate against."

Meanwhile, contrary to this report, China Daily USA reported that the ruling will have no impact on China.

Echoing President Xi Jinping's speech during the Communist Party of China's anniversary on July 1, former State councilor Dai Bingguo said in a meeting in Washington that the ruling over the South China Sea dispute with the Philippines would be "nothing but a piece of paper."

Tagschina, Philippines, South China Sea Dispute Impact