China accused the Philippines and Vietnam of escalating tensions and exacerbating “differences” in the South China Sea following their recent submissions of extended continental shelf (ECS) claims to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf.
Beijing denounced what it called “unilateral” moves as infringements on its “territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.”
In particular, Beijing criticized Vietnam’s recent submission as a violation of the “Agreement on Basic Principles Guiding the Settlement of Sea-related Issues between China and Vietnam” and the “Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea,” jointly signed by China and ASEAN countries, including Vietnam.
“We firmly oppose it and have made serious protests to Vietnam,” said China Spokesperson Lin Jian at a press conference.
Vietnam recently submitted its third exclusive continental shelf claims in the South China Sea to the CLCS.
The Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) acknowledged Vietnam’s rights to submit claims to the CLCS, including overlaps in the Paracel and Spratly Islands.
However, the DFA also stated that “the Philippines affirms its claim to its extended continental shelf in the Western Palawan Region consistent with its maritime entitlements under UNCLOS, as demonstrated by our ECS submission made on 15 June 2024.”
“We are ready to engage Vietnam on possible ways forward that would help achieve a mutually beneficial solution to South China Sea issues, in accordance with international law, particularly,” the DFA said.
Meanwhile, the highest-ranking military officers of the Philippines and Australia talked on Thursday via video call to discuss the pursuit of peace and security in the region.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. and newly-appointed Chief of Defense Force of Australia Admiral David Johnston reaffirmed their nations’ commitment to regional stability and the continuation of strong defense and security relations between the allied countries.
“They also emphasized the importance of their longstanding partnership in addressing shared security challenges and enhancing regional peace and stability,” AFP Public Affairs Office Chief Colonel Xerxes Trinidad said.
According to AFP, the discussion of both leaders also highlighted the mutual benefits of sustained cooperation and the shared goal of promoting peace and security in the region.
“Both leaders concluded the call with a pledge to continue strengthening their defense ties and working closely on various initiatives aimed at further enhancing existing military cooperation activities,” Trinidad added.
Some 162 personnel of the Philippine Air Force are in Australia for Pitch Black 2024, an exercise aimed to enhance the operational capabilities of all participating air forces and to promote peace and stability in the region.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “ECS claims by Vietnam and the Philippines only escalate tensions – China”
