Briefing on the South China Sea / West Philippine Sea Issue

At the Kapihan sa UP Diliman, Ambassador Charles Jose delivered a presentation on the pressing issues surrounding the West Philippine Sea (WPS) or South China Sea (SCS). His talk focused on the historical and legal context of the maritime dispute, emphasizing the Philippines’ rights under international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Jose highlighted the importance of safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity and its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) while fostering peaceful and rules-based resolutions to the conflict. The discussion shed light on the strategic significance of the WPS and its implications for regional stability, resource management, and national sovereignty.

Ambassador Jose’s insights underscored the complexities of the dispute, including China’s expansive claims and the Philippines’ legal victory in the 2016 arbitral ruling. The presentation at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman provided an in-depth understanding of the geopolitical dynamics in the region, offering a platform for dialogue among academics, policymakers, and the public. By advocating for adherence to international law and multilateral cooperation, Jose encouraged a collective approach to addressing these critical maritime issues.

  1. China’s Nine-Dash Line Claim: The presentation discusses China’s expansive claim over the South China Sea, which covers over 80% of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and 100% of its extended continental shelf. This claim is based on the “nine-dash line” map, which totals over 531,000 square kilometers of maritime space.
  2. Aggressive Actions by China: It highlights China’s increasingly aggressive actions to advance its claim, including blocking Philippine vessels, reclaiming land features, and seizing control of reefs, shoals, and islands within the EEZs of other countries.
  3. Philippines’ Position: The Philippines’ stance on upholding international law and its peaceful pursuit of resolving the dispute through arbitration is outlined. The presentation emphasizes the Philippines’ commitment to international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
  4. Triple Action Plan: The presentation details the Philippines’ Triple Action Plan, which proposes immediate measures to reduce tensions, full implementation of the Declaration on Conduct of Parties, and a final resolution through international law and arbitration.
  5. Historical Context: It provides a historical overview of the territorial and maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea, including the Philippines’ claims based on historical assertions and the islands lying within its EEZ.
  6. International Tribunal Ruling: The presentation discusses the international tribunal’s ruling that China’s historic rights claim to resources within the nine-dash line in the South China Sea had been extinguished by UNCLOS.

Key Points:

  • China’s nine-dash line claim covers over 80% of the Philippines’ EEZ and 100% of its extended continental shelf.
  • China’s aggressive actions include blocking Philippine vessels and reclaiming land features.
  • The Philippines upholds international law and seeks peaceful resolution through arbitration.
  • The Triple Action Plan proposes immediate measures, full implementation of the Declaration on Conduct of Parties, and final resolution through international law.
  • Historical context of the territorial and maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea.
  • International tribunal ruling invalidates China’s historic rights claim within the nine-dash line.