Credits: Philstar
The Philippines has announced its readiness to engage in discussions with Vietnam regarding their overlapping claims for an extended continental seabed in the South China Sea. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) made the statement on Thursday, affirming the Philippines’ claim to its extended continental shelf in the Western Palawan region.
The DFA expressed its commitment to finding a mutually beneficial solution to the South China Sea issues, emphasizing the importance of adhering to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“We acknowledge Vietnam’s right, as a coastal state like the Philippines, to submit information to establish the outer limits of their continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles from the relevant and lawful baselines from which its territorial sea is measured, as provided for under UNCLOS,” the DFA stated.
Vietnam’s recent submission to the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf came more than a month after the Philippines requested recognition of its extended undersea shelf in the South China Sea, off the western Palawan province. This move would grant the Philippines exclusive rights to manage, explore, and exploit resources in the area.
Manila’s submission rejects China’s extensive claims over the resource-rich waters, which have led to conflicts among several claimants. The DFA stated that this action is “consistent with its maritime entitlements under UNCLOS,” referencing its Extended Continental Shelf submission made on June 15.
China, which claims nearly the entire South China Sea, has consistently dismissed these overlapping claims, leading to regional tensions. The Philippines previously brought its disputes with China to an arbitral tribunal in the Netherlands, which invalidated Beijing’s claim in 2016. However, China refused to recognize the ruling.
The Philippines emphasized that its submission does not preclude discussions with other coastal states that may have legitimate extended continental shelf claims, signaling openness to negotiations with neighbors where claims overlap.
Under UNCLOS, coastal states can claim an “Extended Continental Shelf” beyond the 200-nautical mile outer limit of their exclusive economic zone, extending up to 350 nautical miles (648 kilometers).
Following Manila’s submission, Vietnam expressed its willingness to engage in talks, stating that a mutual solution would be “beneficial for both countries.” Hanoi also affirmed the Philippines’ right to file a claim under international law.