In a recent development that could escalate tensions in the already contested South China Sea, Vietnam unilaterally presented its Submission on the Limits of the Extended Continental Shelf in the South China Sea to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS). This submission has drawn a stern response from China, with Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stating on Thursday that the claims infringe on China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.

Vietnam’s Claims and China’s Response

Vietnam’s submission covers parts of China’s Nansha Qundao (the Spratly Islands), a region that has long been a flashpoint for territorial disputes involving multiple countries. Lin Jian emphasized that China firmly opposes these claims and has lodged serious protests with Vietnam. According to Lin, Vietnam’s actions violate several international laws and agreements, including:

• United Nations Charter
• United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
• Agreement on Basic Principles Guiding the Settlement of Sea-related Issues between China and Vietnam
• Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, which was signed by China and ASEAN countries, including Vietnam

“These claims infringe on China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” Lin reiterated, highlighting the gravity of the situation from China’s perspective.

The rules of the CLCS stipulate that submissions will not be considered if there is an existing dispute, which means that the CLCS will not examine or qualify relevant submissions from Vietnam and the Philippines regarding delimitation. Lin Jian noted that such submissions do not have any practical effect but will only serve to accentuate differences and exacerbate frictions, which will not help resolve the disputes. “China will remain committed to properly handling disputes in the South China Sea through dialogue and consultation with relevant parties,” Lin stated. This position underscores China’s preference for bilateral negotiations over international arbitration or unilateral actions.

The South China Sea is a strategic and resource-rich area that has been the subject of overlapping territorial claims by several countries, including China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. The Spratly Islands, in particular, are a key area of contention. China’s claims in the region are based on historical records, while other countries, including Vietnam and the Philippines, base their claims on proximity and interpretations of UNCLOS. The Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, signed in 2002 by China and ASEAN member states, was intended to manage disputes and promote peaceful resolutions. However, unilateral actions, such as Vietnam’s recent submission to the CLCS, have often undermined these efforts.

The international community has closely monitored developments in the South China Sea, given the area’s significance for global trade and regional security. The United States and other Western countries have frequently expressed concerns over China’s actions in the region, viewing them as aggressive and expansionist. However, China maintains that it is protecting its sovereign rights and that its actions are defensive in nature. Vietnam’s latest move could be seen as an attempt to bolster its claims and seek international support. However, it also risks escalating tensions with China, which has consistently opposed any actions it perceives as infringing on its sovereignty.

Philippines’ Similar Move

In a related development, the Philippines also submitted information to the CLCS in June regarding the extent of its undersea shelf in the South China Sea. Like Vietnam, the Philippines seeks to assert its exclusive rights to exploit resources in accordance with UNCLOS. This move has similarly drawn criticism from China, with the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson stating on June 17 that the Philippines’ unilateral submission infringes on China’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction.

The ongoing disputes in the South China Sea highlight the complexities of international maritime law and the challenges of resolving overlapping territorial claims. While international arbitration, such as the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in favor of the Philippines, has provided legal clarity, enforcement remains a significant challenge. China’s insistence on bilateral negotiations reflects its broader strategy in international diplomacy, where it seeks to leverage its economic and political influence. However, for smaller countries like Vietnam and the Philippines, multilateral forums and international law are vital tools to counterbalance China’s dominance.

The recent developments in the South China Sea, marked by Vietnam’s unilateral submission to the CLCS and China’s subsequent strong opposition, underscore the enduring and complex nature of territorial disputes in the region. As China continues to advocate for dialogue and consultation, the international community will be watching closely to see how these tensions unfold and whether a peaceful resolution can be achieved. For now, the South China Sea remains a region of strategic importance and potential conflict, with the actions of each claimant country having significant implications for regional stability and international maritime law.

South China Sea Dispute

The South China Sea dispute is one of the most complex and longstanding territorial conflicts in the world. It involves multiple claimants, including China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan, each asserting sovereignty over various islands, reefs, and maritime zones. The region is not only strategically significant but also rich in natural resources, including oil, gas, and fisheries. China’s claims in the South China Sea are based on historical records, including ancient maps and documents that it says demonstrate its long-standing presence in the region. The “nine-dash line,” which appears on Chinese maps, encompasses a vast portion of the South China Sea and overlaps with the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of several other countries.

This claim has been a major point of contention and was deemed inconsistent with UNCLOS by the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling. Vietnam, on the other hand, bases its claims on proximity and its own historical usage of certain islands and waters. Vietnam has been actively bolstering its presence in the South China Sea through the construction of facilities on disputed islands and increased diplomatic efforts to gain international support for its position.

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provides a legal framework for resolving maritime disputes. It defines the rights and responsibilities of nations concerning their use of the world’s oceans, establishing guidelines for businesses, the environment, and the management of marine natural resources. Both China and Vietnam are signatories to UNCLOS, but their interpretations of the convention’s provisions have often been at odds. The South China Sea is a critical maritime route, with an estimated $3.37 trillion worth of global trade passing through its waters annually. The region’s stability is therefore of paramount importance to the international community. Any escalation of tensions could have significant economic and security ramifications, potentially disrupting shipping lanes and leading to broader conflicts.

ASEAN

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has attempted to mediate the South China Sea disputes through various mechanisms, including the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. However, ASEAN’s ability to resolve the disputes has been limited by the differing interests of its member states and the significant influence of China in the region.

The future of the South China Sea disputes remains uncertain. While diplomatic efforts and international legal rulings provide pathways to resolution, the entrenched positions of the claimant countries and the strategic importance of the region make it a highly sensitive issue. Continued dialogue and adherence to international law will be crucial in preventing the disputes from escalating into open conflict.

The situation in the South China Sea exemplifies the complexities of modern international relations, where historical claims, legal frameworks, and geopolitical interests intersect. As Vietnam and China continue to assert their respective positions, the international community must remain engaged to ensure that these disputes are managed peacefully and in accordance with international law. The stakes are high, not just for the countries directly involved, but for the broader stability and security of the Asia-Pacific region.