China has expressed strong opposition to the Philippines’ unilateral submission to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS), which seeks to define the extent of the Philippines’ continental shelf in the South China Sea. The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated on Monday that this move infringes upon China’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the contested waters.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs announced on June 15 that it had submitted information to the CLCS, aiming to secure exclusive rights to exploit resources in areas of the South China Sea, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Addressing the issue during a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian noted that China is aware of the Philippines’ submission and is seeking further details. “There are territorial issues and disputes over maritime delimitation in the South China Sea between China and the Philippines,” Lin said.
Lin emphasized that the Philippines’ unilateral action violates international law, including UNCLOS, and contravenes the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, an agreement aimed at maintaining peace and stability in the region.
“According to the rules of procedure of the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, the commission will not consider or qualify the Philippines’ submission if it involves delimitation of disputed waters,” Lin added.
The South China Sea is a strategic and resource-rich area that has long been the subject of overlapping territorial claims by several countries, including China and the Philippines. The recent developments underscore ongoing tensions and the complexity of resolving sovereignty issues in the region.
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China slams Philippines' submission to UN regarding South China Sea
cgtn.com
