Vietnam Files UN Claim for Extended Continental Shelf in South China Sea; China Opposes

Jul 18, 2024, 11:10 AM

Vietnam has filed a claim with the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (UNCLCS) for an extended continental shelf in the South China Sea on July 18, a month after the Philippines made a similar move. The submission, presented by Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, and Ambassador Trinh Duc Hai, Vice Chairman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs delegation, seeks to extend Vietnam's continental shelf beyond the current 200 nautical miles. The Vietnamese government states that the submission is to exercise the rights and obligations of state parties in accordance with the maritime framework. China has expressed strong opposition to the claim, arguing that it violates its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian confirmed that China has lodged stern representations with Vietnam over the submission.