UCA News
Contribute

Manila to take sea dispute to UN court

South China Sea wrangle reaches new stage
Manila to take sea dispute to UN court
Published: January 22, 2013 09:36 AM GMT
Updated: January 22, 2013 06:20 PM GMT

The Philippines on Tuesday said it will formally challenge China's claims over disputed areas in the South China Sea in a UN court.

Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said the Philippines has exhausted almost all political and diplomatic avenues for a peaceful negotiated settlement and hopes that arbitral proceedings will bring results.

The disputes center around the Paracel Islands, which are occupied by China but claimed by Vietnam, and the Spratly Islands, which are disputed by the Philippines, China, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Del Rosario said he has informed China's ambassador that Manila is bringing the matter before an arbitral tribunal under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

China has been opposing the move, but Del Rosario said it is the only way "to achieve a peaceful and durable solution to the dispute."

He said he summoned Chinese ambassador Ma Keqing on Tuesday and handed her a Note Verbale, which contains the "Notification and Statement of Claim" that challenges China’s claim to almost the entire South China Sea.

The Note Verbale also called on China to desist from "unlawful activities that violate the sovereign rights and jurisdiction of the Philippines."

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia