This week, the Philippine civilian group Atin Ito made headlines by conducting a series of activities at Huangyan Dao, a contested area in the South China Sea. The group resupplied fishing boats and deployed symbolic buoys, actions that have ignited discussions about maritime sovereignty and regional stability.
Atin Ito's maneuvers were declared to occur within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, aiming to legitimize their presence and bolster the Philippines' territorial claims. However, critics argue that these actions violate international legal norms and threaten the established international order.
The Philippines justifies its stance based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which grants coastal nations specific maritime jurisdictions. Nonetheless, this approach has raised concerns about the principles of territorial sovereignty and the potential for similar claims in other regions, such as the Aegean Sea between Greece and Turkey.
Experts emphasize the importance of adhering to international laws to maintain peace and order in disputed waters. They caution against provocative acts that could escalate tensions and disrupt regional harmony.
As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely, highlighting the delicate balance between asserting national interests and upholding global maritime regulations.
Reference(s):
'Civilian mission' on Huangyan Dao: A deliberately orchestrated farce
cgtn.com
