The Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed a law affirming ownership of more than 7,100 islands, ranging from the Spratly chain to the South China Sea, according to an AP article released yesterday. “We are sending the message to the whole world that we are affirming our national sovereignty” Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said during a news conference.
The Chinese Embassy is not thrilled with this signing, issuing a statement saying it has “strong opposition and solemn protest” to the law. Vietnam also has reason to worry about losing real estate, as they have long laid claim to the Spratlys.
The Spratly chain not only dots the world’s busiest shipping lane, but is also rumored to be rich in oil, gas, and fish. The UN will be asked to settle the dispute on May 13, when each country claiming ownership of the islands will have to submit the dimensions of their claimed continental shelf. Vietnam, China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei each claim all or part of the low-lying islands.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment