On June 15, the Philippines submitted a claim to the United Nations (UN) to extend its continental shelf (ECS) in the South China Sea. This claim aims to secure the Philippines' rights to the extended continental shelf beyond the South China Sea's 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The Philippines' action received significant support from fellow ASEAN member Vietnam. This support followed Vietnam's recognition of the Philippines' UN submission to defend its rights to the extended continental shelf in the South China Sea. According to Reuters, the Philippine Foreign Minister expressed readiness to achieve a mutually beneficial solution between Vietnam and the Philippines.
Citing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) Article 76, sections 4(a) and 5 states that the coastal State shall establish the outer edge of the continental margin wherever the margin extends beyond 200 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured and shall not exceed 350 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured.
The Philippines' June claim was met with strong opposition from China, which claims that the Philippines' actions violate its sovereignty. China has demonstrated its opposition by increasing coast guard patrols, employing water cannons, and performing hazardous maneuvers against Philippine fishermen and government vessels.
Additionally, China claims nearly all of the South China Sea, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, and Taiwan.
According to Reuters, this conflict is intense because the South China Sea is a crucial trade route valued at $3 trillion annually and is rich in natural resources. China's strong desire to claim this route stems from these economic and resource benefits. However, in 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that China's claims have no legal basis.
In response, Vietnam is willing to engage in dialogue and deeper cooperation with the Philippines, supporting the Philippines' South China Sea claim to defend and secure their extended continental shelf rights. Vietnam's actions align with and benefit the national interests of both Vietnam and the Philippines.
