Philippines Reaffirms South China Sea Claims, Rejects China's Assertions Based on International Law

The National Maritime Council (NMC) on Tuesday rejected China’s characterization of Second Thomas Shoal as part of its territory and the BRP Sierra Madre as an “illegally grounded” vessel, reaffirming the Philippines’ position based on international law. In a statement, the NMC said the country’s actions in the South China Sea are guided by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Award. The arbitral tribunal determined that Second Thomas Shoal, locally called Ayungin, is a low-tide elevation (LTE) within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf. “As an LTE, it is not land territory that can generate its own maritime zones, but instead it forms part of the EEZ and continental shelf of the Philippines,” the NMC said. It added that the award is “final and binding” on the Philippines and China with respect to the matters it resolved. In a statement sent to reporters via Viber group chat on Monday, the Chinese Embassy reiterated Beijing’s claim, saying China has “indisputable sovereignty” over the South China Sea and their adjacent waters. “China firmly safeguards its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, while remaining committed to resolving disputes peacefully through negotiation and consultation,” the embassy said. The NMC said the Philippines would continue to uphold its rights under international law while seeking peace. — Pexcel John Bacon