NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Philippines Rejects China's Controversial South China Sea Map, Citing Violation Of International Law
Photo credit: China Daily
The Philippines has vehemently rejected the 2023 version of China's Standard Map, issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources of the People's Republic of China on August 28, 2023. The map includes a contentious ten-dashed line that purports to outline China's boundaries in the South China Sea, a move that has raised tensions in the region.
The Philippines, along with several other neighboring countries, has long disputed China's expansive territorial claims in the South China Sea. This latest map, featuring an additional dashed line, has been met with strong condemnation from the Philippines for its attempt to legitimize China's perceived sovereignty over Philippine features and maritime zones.
International legal experts have highlighted that this claim has no basis under established international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The convention defines maritime zones and the rights and responsibilities of countries in these areas. The 2016 Arbitral Award further invalidated the original nine-dashed line, clarifying that it had no lawful effect and was contrary to UNCLOS.
The 2016 ruling, which came after a case brought forward by the Philippines, emphasized that the "nine-dash line" claim exceeded the geographic and substantive limits of China's maritime entitlements under UNCLOS.
This decision served as a crucial precedent, underscoring the need for adherence to international law and the rejection of unfounded territorial claims.
In response, the Philippines has called on China to demonstrate responsible behavior by honoring its obligations under UNCLOS and respecting the final and binding 2016 Arbitral Award. The Philippines' rejection of the revised map and its renewed call for China to abide by international law reflect the country's commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region through diplomatic means.
The Philippines, along with several other neighboring countries, has long disputed China's expansive territorial claims in the South China Sea. This latest map, featuring an additional dashed line, has been met with strong condemnation from the Philippines for its attempt to legitimize China's perceived sovereignty over Philippine features and maritime zones.
International legal experts have highlighted that this claim has no basis under established international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The convention defines maritime zones and the rights and responsibilities of countries in these areas. The 2016 Arbitral Award further invalidated the original nine-dashed line, clarifying that it had no lawful effect and was contrary to UNCLOS.
The 2016 ruling, which came after a case brought forward by the Philippines, emphasized that the "nine-dash line" claim exceeded the geographic and substantive limits of China's maritime entitlements under UNCLOS.
This decision served as a crucial precedent, underscoring the need for adherence to international law and the rejection of unfounded territorial claims.
In response, the Philippines has called on China to demonstrate responsible behavior by honoring its obligations under UNCLOS and respecting the final and binding 2016 Arbitral Award. The Philippines' rejection of the revised map and its renewed call for China to abide by international law reflect the country's commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region through diplomatic means.
Aug 31, 2023
