Phl ready to talk with Vietnam on continental shelf

The Philippines is ready to talk with Vietnam to seek measures for a mutually beneficial solution after Hanoi filed a claim with the United Nations for an extended continental shelf (ECS) in the South China Sea, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

- PIA LEE-BRAGO

In a statement, the DFA said “the Philippines affirms its claim to its extended continental shelf in the Western Palawan Region consistent with its maritime entitlements under UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea).”

“We are ready to engage Vietnam on possible ways forward that would help achieve a mutually beneficial solution to South China Sea issues, in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS,” the DFA said.

Vietnam and the Philippines are among the claimants to parts of the South China Sea.

Vietnam’s move came after Malaysia earlier filed its own opposition to the UN on the Philippines’ petition for ECS.

Vietnam’s foreign ministry said the submission of the continental shelf beyond the current 200 nautical miles is to exercise the rights and obligations of state parties in accordance with the maritime framework.