On June 15, the Philippines submitted a request to the United Nations (UN) to expand its continental shelf (ECS) within the South China Sea. The request goals to secure the Philippines’ rights to an prolonged continental shelf beyond the 200-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the South China Sea.
The Philippines’ actions have received significant support from ASEAN member Vietnam. This support comes after Vietnam recognized the Philippines’ agreement with the UN to defend its rights to an prolonged continental shelf within the South China Sea. According to Reuters, the Philippine foreign minister expressed readiness to succeed in a mutually helpful solution between Vietnam and the Philippines.
Referring to Article 76 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), sections 4(a) and 5 provide that the coastal State establishes the periphery of the continental boundary wherever that boundary extends beyond 200 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured and doesn’t exceed 350 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured.
The Philippines’ claim in June was met with strong opposition from China, which says the Philippines’ actions violate its sovereignty. China has demonstrated its opposition by increasing coast guard patrols, using water cannons and carrying out dangerous maneuvers against Filipino fishermen and government vessels.
Additionally, China claims almost all the South China Sea, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan.
According to Reuters, the conflict is intense since the South China Sea is a key trade route value $3 trillion a 12 months and is wealthy in natural resources. China’s strong desire to assert the route stems from these economic and resource advantages. However, in 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that China’s claims haven’t any legal basis.
In response, Vietnam is prepared to interact in dialogue and deeper cooperation with the Philippines, supporting the Philippines’ claim to the South China Sea to defend and secure its expanded rights to the continental shelf. Vietnam’s actions are consistent with and profit the national interests of Vietnam and the Philippines.
