evidence: Pedra Branca is an island located at the eastern entrance to the Straits of Singapore from the South China Sea. The origin of the dispute between Malaysia and Singapore was Singapore’s protest of a map of Malaysia that designated Pedra Branca as Malay territory. After negotiations, both states signed a compromis in 2003. 56 Malaysia claimed the original title of the Sultan of Johor, its predecessor, while Singapore claimed that the construction and commission of the Horsburgh lighthouse constituted acquisition of possession à titre de souverain and the maintenance of title. Singapore added the alternative claim in oral argument that Pedra Branca was terra nullius until its acquisition of possession by the United Kingdom. 57 [...] Case Concerning Sovereignty over Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks, and South Ledge (Malaysia/Singapore ) ( Pedra Branca case), Judgment, 23 May 2008, ICJ Reports (2008) 12, paras 60–69. This article focuses on Pedra Branca. The argument for Pedra Branca can also be applied to the dispute over original title to Middle Rocks and South Ledge.