Luke Allen
Military Political Analyst
Makati, Manila
lukeallenmanila@journalist.com
In a significant diplomatic turn, Vietnam has stepped forward, expressing its readiness to engage in discussions with the Philippines over their overlapping continental shelf claims in the South China Sea. This proactive stance is a stark contrast to China’s increasingly assertive actions in the region, which have often heightened tensions among the coastal states, and it holds the potential for a peaceful resolution.
Pham Thu Hang, spokesperson for Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, articulated Vietnam’s position, stating that while coastal states have the right to delineate their continental shelf boundaries, these boundaries must respect other nations’ legal and legitimate rights and interests. This statement underscores Vietnam’s commitment to adhering to international law and upholding the principles of peaceful negotiation.
The Philippines has taken a significant step by making a formal request to the United Nations for recognition of its rights to the undersea continental seabed, specifically targeting areas that encompass the Spratly group of islands. If this request is approved under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Philippines could potentially extend its seabed claims to 350 nautical miles from its baseline. This extension would grant the country significant rights, including the authority to authorize and regulate activities such as drilling and resource extraction within this expanded area, potentially reshaping the power dynamics in the region.
Vietnam’s Foreign Affairs Ministry has emphasized its willingness to find mutually beneficial solutions to the overlapping claims, highlighting a preference for diplomacy and collaboration over confrontation. This approach is particularly noteworthy given the complex and often contentious nature of territorial disputes in the South China Sea, a region rich in resources and strategic importance.
The Philippines has responded positively to Vietnam’s overtures, with officials expressing their readiness to engage in talks. This mutual interest in dialogue is a significant and constructive step toward resolving one of the many intricate territorial disputes in the region. By pursuing negotiations, both nations are demonstrating a commitment to peaceful resolution and regional stability, setting a positive example for other claimants in the South China Sea.
The broader context of these developments is marked by China’s assertive posture in the South China Sea, where it has undertaken extensive land reclamation projects and established military installations on disputed islands. These actions have raised concerns among Southeast Asian nations and the international community about the potential for conflict and the undermining of international maritime law.
In contrast, Vietnam and the Philippines’ willingness to engage in bilateral talks reflects a shared understanding that cooperative approaches can yield more sustainable and peaceful outcomes. This diplomatic effort also aligns with broader international calls for resolving disputes through legal and peaceful means, as outlined in UNCLOS.
The potential extension of the Philippine continental shelf to 350 nautical miles would enhance its ability to manage and exploit marine resources and reinforce its sovereignty over critical maritime areas. If recognized by the UN, this assertion of rights could provide a legal basis for the Philippines to challenge any unauthorized activities within its extended continental shelf.
The world will be watching as Vietnam and the Philippines prepare to discuss their issues. Successful negotiations could serve as a model for other nations embroiled in similar disputes, demonstrating that adherence to international law and a commitment to dialogue can lead to mutually beneficial outcomes. This development, therefore, holds significant implications for regional stability and the future of maritime governance in the South China Sea.