TERRITORIAL CLAIMS  OF THE WEST PHILIPPINES  SEA

West Philippines Sea is part of Philippine territory and also being considered part  of the internationally known South China Sea. 

From 1895 to 1945, this developed into a hub for the industrial trade of South  East Asian kingdoms and empires. Based on the nine dashes in their ancient rights as seen on the map of Chinese islands in the South China Sea, China  asserts that WPS is a part of their territory. 

Who has the most rights if we take into account both claims? 

The following are possible legal justifications why WPS belongs to the Philippines: 

-According to the Article 56, Section 1-B of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). On July 12, 2016, the Permanent Court Arbitration in the Hague, Netherlands, ruled in favor of the Philippines over China’s claim of the  WPS as part of the South China Sea 9 Dash line, citing the Philippines’ sovereign  rights over the islands, including Scarborough Shoal, Ayungin Shoal, and others. 

The WPS is part of the Philippines’ EEZ because it was a part of 200 nautical miles, 370 kilometers. 

Article 12 Section 2 of the 1987 Constitution states that “The State Shall protect  the Nations Marine wealth in it’s archipelagic water territorial sea, and exclusive economics zone, and reserve it’s use and exclusively to Filipino citizen”. 

On June 20 the Philippine Star reported a body camera filmed the Chinese Coast guards (CCQ) violence toward Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel at  Ayungin Shoal on Monday. The personnel on board an AFP Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) were brutally attacked by CCG, who rammed the vessel violently and 

brandished pointed and bladed weapons while threatening to hurt AFP troops. To further obstruct communication, they also used tear gas and sirens that never stopped blaring. (AFP provided the footage). 

Around 12:00pm on August 31, 2024, China Coast Guard vessel 5205 collided violently with the Philippine Coast guards BRP Teresa Magbanua in the West Philippine Sea, close to Sabina Shoal. The crew’s safety was seriously jeopardized when the Chinese ship struck the BRP Teresa Magbanua repeatedly.

In addition to directly understanding Philippine sovereignty, unjustified action increases regional function. In order to help the Philippines protect it’s rights in the West Philippine Sea, we urge the international community to denounce these aggressive activities.

After being battered by a Chinese Coast guard water cannon, the Philippine flag is still flying with pride. On Tuesday, Chinese Coast guard ships used water cannons against Philippine civilian ships traveling on a supply mission to Panatag Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).