PH says China’s territory subject to Unclos

By: Tarra Quismundo - 11 years ago

DFA spokesman Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines insisted on Wednesday that under international law, China could not project its power beyond its boundaries, following Beijing’s announcement of fresh sea patrols in disputed parts of the South China Sea.

In a statement, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Raul Hernandez invoked the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) to remind China of the limits of its territory.

“Under international law, including Unclos, China’s [exclusive economic zone] cannot extend beyond [370 kilometers] measured from the Chinese mainland and Hainan island. Coastal states have sovereign rights over their EEZ,” Hernandez said.

Hernandez insisted that China might not project its sovereign rights in the high seas, as provided under international law.

“Also under international law there is a high seas area in the South China Sea over which no state can exercise sovereignty,” he said.

China announced earlier this week that a 5,000-ton civilian vessel will begin regular patrols in the South China sea to “safeguard national sovereign rights and benefits, develop at-sea assistance, ensure navigational safety.”

The announcement followed China’s implementation of a fisheries law requiring foreign vessels to seek approval of Chinese authorities to fish and explore in the South China Sea.

The Philippines, which calls the waters within its EEZ West Philippine Sea, is protesting the regulation.

Vietnam, which has territorial claims in part of the South China Sea that it calls East Sea, has also protested the new Chinese fishing rules.

Besides the Philippines and Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan also have territorial claims in the South China Sea, nearly all of which China insists is part of its territory.

Other countries have also expressed concern over the law, citing its possible impact on freedom of navigation.