China opposes PH claim for extended continental shelf

China has formally opposed the Philippines' claim for an extended continental shelf (ECS) west of Palawan before the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS).

China stated in a note verbale to UN Secretary-General António Guterres that the Philippines' submission infringes on China's sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction over the South China Sea, which China refers to as Nanhai Zhudao.

Beijing argues that the Philippines' claim violates international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and contradicts the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

China believes the CLCS should not consider the submission due to existing territorial and maritime disputes, asserting its indisputable sovereignty over the Nanhai Zhudao and adjacent waters.

The Philippines' ECS request aims to explore and exploit natural resources in the area, a move China has rejected.