Recent developments in the South China Sea dispute include: 1. India's stance: India has recently expressed its support for the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which favored the Philippines in its territorial dispute with China in the South China Sea. India has emphasized the importance of upholding international law and adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). 2. China's rejection: China has consistently rejected the 2016 ruling and claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea. It has continued to assert its control by developing military bases, conducting military exercises, and establishing territorial claims through the construction of artificial islands. 3. Tensions with other claimants: The dispute also involves other countries, such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan, which have competing territorial claims in the region. Tensions have escalated as these countries engage in maritime patrols, resource exploration, and infrastructure developments. 4. Regional dialogue: Various regional forums, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), have been involved in attempts to resolve the dispute and promote peaceful negotiations. However, reaching an agreement on a Code of Conduct has proven challenging, with differing interests and rivalries among the parties involved.