Philippines Asked United Nations on Entitlements in West Philippines Sea Extended Continental Shelf

Summary

The Philippines has submitted a claim to the United Nations to recognize its undersea continental shelf in the South China Sea, asserting its exclusive rights to resources in the area. This move challenges China's extensive territorial claims and follows the 2016 arbitral ruling that rejected China's claims. The submission is based on extensive scientific research and aims to reinforce the Philippines' maritime entitlements and sovereignty, promoting a rules-based international order.

Takeaways

• 🌏 The Philippines has requested the United Nations to formally recognize its undersea continental shelf in the West Philippine Sea, where it would have exclusive rights to exploit resources.
• 🚫 This move by the Philippines rejects China's extensive territorial claims in the region.
• 🔍 The Philippine government submitted scientific research data to the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, emphasizing its commitment to responsible application of its maritime rights.
• 🏆 The 2016 arbitral award confirmed the Philippines' maritime entitlements and rejected claims that exceeded limits under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
• 🌊 The undersea region in question, which includes the Spratly Islands, has been contested by multiple countries, including China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan.
• 📜 Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized the legal basis of the Philippines' territorial boundary and sovereign entitlements, referencing international treaties and the UNCLOS.
• 🛳️ Tensions have escalated between China and the Philippines over disputed areas, with incidents involving Chinese Coast Guard ships and Philippine naval vessels.
• 📈 The Philippines is pursuing legal measures to protect its territorial integrity and sovereignty, including passing bills to define sea lanes and manage foreign vessels in its waters.
• 🔑 The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea defines the continental shelf and grants coastal states sovereign rights over natural resources found on or beneath it.
• 🌐 The Philippines' submission to the UN is part of a broader effort to uphold international law and promote a rules-based international order in the face of maritime disputes.

Q & A

What has the Philippines asked the United Nations to formally recognize?

The Philippines has asked the United Nations to formally recognize the extent of its undersea continental shelf in the West Philippine Sea, where it would have exclusive rights to exploit resources.

How does the Philippines' submission to the UN reject China's territorial claims?

The Philippines' submission is a move that rejects China's vast territorial claims to the region by asserting its own sovereign rights and maritime jurisdictions based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

What is the significance of the 2016 award on the South China Sea arbitration for the Philippines?

The 2016 award confirmed the Philippines' maritime entitlements and rejected claims that exceeded geographic and substantive limits under UNCLOS, providing a legal basis for the Philippines' maritime boundaries and rights.

What does the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) define as the continental shelf?

UNCLOS defines the continental shelf as the submerged extension of a coastal state's land territory covering the seabed and subsoil beyond its territorial sea up to the edge of its 370 km or 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

What rights does a coastal state have over its continental shelf according to UNCLOS?

Under UNCLOS, a coastal state has exclusive rights to exploit resources in its continental shelf, including the right to authorize and regulate any kind of drilling, and sovereign rights over natural resources found on or beneath the continental shelf.

What potential resources does the undersea region claimed by the Philippines hold?

The undersea region claimed by the Philippines potentially holds significant resources such as an estimated 165 million barrels of oil and 98.7 billion cubic meters of gas, which would benefit the nation and its people for generations to come.

How has the Philippines responded to China's territorial claims over the West Philippine Sea?

The Philippines has responded by asserting its legal rights under international law, defining its territory and maritime zones in accordance with international treaties, and pursuing legal arbitration to protect its territorial integrity and sovereignty.

What was the outcome of the 2016 arbitral ruling on the South China Sea dispute between the Philippines and China?

The arbitral tribunal ruled overwhelmingly in favor of the Philippines, declaring China's claims based on the nine-dash line invalid under UNCLOS, and stating that China violated the Philippines' sovereign rights by interfering with its oil exploration activities and fishing operations.

What steps has the Philippines taken to protect its maritime domain and assert its sovereignty?

The Philippines has taken steps such as submitting its claims to the UN Commission, defining its sea lanes through legislation, and pursuing legal arbitration to assert its sovereignty and protect its maritime domain.

How does the Philippines plan to manage and secure its territorial waters and exclusive economic zone?

The Philippines plans to manage and secure its territorial waters and exclusive economic zone by passing legislation that sets the coordinates for sea lanes and air routes, allows the president to issue rules and regulations, and strengthens enforcement by the military and other authorities.

What was the international reaction to the 2016 arbitral tribunal's ruling on the South China Sea dispute?

The international community largely supported the ruling, although China rejected the decision and continues to defy it. The extent to which China abides by the ruling and the international community supports it will have consequences for the utility of international law in ensuring the peaceful, stable, and lawful use of the seas.