The South China Sea (SCS) is a strategic area of conflict where sovereignty, security and, strategic stories intertwine to make the region insecure. This paper aims at analyzing the roles that law, media, and security play in the SCS disputes dynamics. Thus, although the enforcement is governed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), it remains rather week: for instance, China rejected the 2016 arbitration which declared its nine-dash line unlawful. State-controlled and digital media are weaponized to promote legal stories and propaganda alongside disinformation in a way that shapes security perceptions. On the other hand, factors like militarization, poaching and degradation of the environment act as a source of conflict therefore escalating the conflict and showing that there is a need to engage in conflict resolution. This paper analyses the reaction of both regional and global actors, including ASEAN, the US, and China, as well as assesses the outcomes of the existing frameworks and programs. The study underscores the role of media in constructing and reinforcing sovereignty claims, shaping public opinion, and influencing policymaking in navigating the disputes of SCS. Based on the analysis, policy suggestions have been made such as building ASEAN’s capability, increasing the implementation of UNCLOS, promoting security cooperation, and combating fake news. This paper demonstrates how legal, media, and security approaches can be combined to respond to the multifaceted nature of the SCS and develop a sustainable system for creating a rules-based order at sea. The results, therefore, corroborate the need for regional integration and creativity in the management of the South’s conflicts.