China nagsumite ng statement sa United Nations na bahagi ng kanilang territorial sea... | 24 Oras

Summary

China recently presented its territorial claims over Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) to the United Nations, asserting it as part of its territorial waters. Despite this, Philippine experts, including Professor Jay Batongbacal, argue that China's declaration has no impact on the legitimate rights and maritime interests of the Philippines, which retains sovereignty over the area. The dispute continues amid ongoing tensions, including the recent disappearance of Filipino fishermen in the region. The Philippine government calls China's actions a violation of international law, especially under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Takeaways

• 😀 China has pushed for full control over Bajo de Masinloc at the United Nations, which is located within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
• 😀 An expert stated that China’s claim does not affect the legitimate legal interests and position of the Philippines regarding its rich marine resources in the area.
• 😀 China currently controls Bajo de Masinloc, a coral reef formation in the West Philippine Sea, despite being within the Philippines' EEZ.
• 😀 China declared that the waters surrounding Bajo de Masinloc are part of their territorial sea, and submitted a statement on this claim to the United Nations.
• 😀 China submitted a chart showing Bajo de Masinloc, known as Huangyan Dao, as part of their territorial waters to comply with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
• 😀 The Philippine National Maritime Council called China’s actions a violation of the long-recognized sovereignty of the Philippines over Bajo de Masinloc.
• 😀 The declaration by China regarding territorial baselines around Bajo de Masinloc is seen as a continuation of their illegal occupation of the reef since 2012.
• 😀 Professor Jay Batongbacal of the University of the Philippines stated that China’s deposit and declaration have no impact on the Philippines’ legal rights in the West Philippine Sea.
• 😀 Under UNCLOS, a coastal state like the Philippines retains sovereign rights to its continental shelf, which includes Bajo de Masinloc.
• 😀 The Philippines’ rights over Bajo de Masinloc, and maritime jurisdictions in the West Philippine Sea, remain unaffected by China’s actions, as per UNCLOS articles 1.34 and 76.
• 😀 The family of four Filipino fishermen missing since November 27th after being harassed by Chinese coast guard vessels in Bajo de Masinloc is still seeking help, as the incident remains unresolved.

Q & A

What claim did China make regarding the Scarborough Shoal at the United Nations?

China submitted a claim to the United Nations asserting that the Scarborough Shoal, known as Huangyan Dao in China, is part of their territorial sea, thus reinforcing their control over the area.

What did the National Maritime Council (NMC) of the Philippines say about China's claim?

The National Maritime Council (NMC) of the Philippines called China's claim a violation of the Philippines' recognized sovereignty over the Scarborough Shoal, describing it as a continuation of China's illegal occupation of the area since 2012.

What is the significance of Article 84 of UNCLOS in this situation?

Article 84 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) obliges countries to publish charts showing the limits of their territorial seas and continental shelves, which is what China did by submitting their claim regarding the Scarborough Shoal.

How does Professor Jay Batongbacal interpret China's actions?

Professor Jay Batongbacal, a maritime law expert, states that China's filing of the chart and declaration of territorial waters over the Scarborough Shoal has no effect on the Philippines' legitimate legal interests and maritime jurisdiction in the area.

What does UNCLOS Article 134 state about maritime claims?

UNCLOS Article 134 emphasizes that the filing of charts or territorial declarations does not affect the rights granted to coastal states, such as the Philippines, over their maritime territories and exclusive economic zones.

What is the Philippines' legal right to the continental shelf near the Scarborough Shoal?

Under UNCLOS Article 76, the Philippines, as a coastal state, has the right to the continental shelf that includes the Scarborough Shoal, reinforcing its legal claim to the area.

What happened to the four Filipino fishermen from Masinloc in November 2023?

Four Filipino fishermen from Masinloc went missing on November 27, 2023, after their vessel, the FB Ris, was reportedly harassed by a Chinese coast guard ship in the waters near the Scarborough Shoal.

What did the captain of the FB Ris report about the incident?

The captain of the FB Ris, Renato Cra, reported that their boat was intercepted and harassed by a Chinese coast guard ship, identified as Chinese Coast Guard ship 3305, while they were in the vicinity of the Scarborough Shoal.

How are the families of the missing fishermen reacting to the situation?

The families of the missing fishermen are in distress and are calling for help, as they are unsure where to turn or who can assist them in locating the missing men.

What was the Philippines' reaction to China's submission of the territorial claim to the UN?

The Philippines strongly objected to China's submission, emphasizing that it is a violation of the Philippines' sovereignty over the Scarborough Shoal, which has been internationally recognized since the 2012 arbitration ruling.