The Philippines and Vietnam are set to discuss competing claims to a section of the South China Sea, a rare bright spot of diplomacy on an increasingly prickly issue.
Earlier this month, the Philippines delivered a submission to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, a technical UN body, on expanding its continental shelf.
Manila is seeking to extend its claims beyond the 200 nautical miles outlined in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The new submission encompasses the Spratly Islands, which are variously claimed by Brunei, China, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Vietnam’s foreign ministry said that the country is “ready to ... seek and achieve [with the Philippines] a solution that is mutually beneficial.”
The commission will study the submission from the Philippines in early 2025. Beijing has asked the commission not to consider the submission, arguing it “seriously infringes China’s sovereignty.”
Clashes between Beijing, Manila continue
The South China Sea is a muddled map of conflicting claims, entangling coastal states in disputes and, occasionally, outright conflict.
Last week, China’s coast guard used knives and axes to damage Philippine resupply ships, in the process reportedly injuring eight Filipino sailors, one of whom lost a thumb.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said following the incident that Manila wouldn’t back down but that he would rather “settle these issues peacefully.”
It appears Vietnam is in the same boat. Hanoi said it was “deeply concerned” about the latest confrontation between the Philippines and China and urged both sides to show restraint.
Malaysia pursues dialogue
Following a visit last week by Chinese Premier Li Qiang to Malaysia, the two countries agreed to establish a bilateral dialogue on maintaining peace in the South China Sea, contrasting with Beijing’s forceful approach to Manila.
Malaysia’s more conciliatory tone on maritime issues hasn’t spared the country from run-ins with China, however: over the last few years, incursions by Chinese vessels into Malaysia’s exclusive economic zone have “intensified,” although Kuala Lumpur, preferring to keep a lid on tensions, “rarely publicizes” such incursions.
