On June 15, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs announced that the Philippines has submitted information to the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS). This submission outlines the extent of the Philippines' undersea shelf in the South China Sea.
The primary goal is to establish exclusive rights to exploit natural resources in the area, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This strategic move aims to secure the Philippines' future by asserting its rights to explore and develop these valuable resources.
Marshall Louis Alferez, the Foreign Ministry Assistant Secretary for Maritime and Ocean Affairs, emphasized that this initiative is based on comprehensive, technical, and scientific research. \"This submission is a pivotal step in protecting our nation's maritime interests and ensuring sustainable development of our natural resources,\" Alferez stated.
The document has received approval from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., highlighting the administration's commitment to upholding the country's sovereign rights over the continental shelf of the West Philippine Sea.
The West Philippine Sea refers to the Philippines' 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone west of the country. The Philippines' delimitation case, extending up to 350 nautical miles, is grounded in the rights stipulated by UNCLOS. This extension includes both the seabed and subsoil, reinforcing the Philippines' ability to manage and benefit from its maritime assets.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
