The issue about the claim of the Ph
The issue about the claim of the Ph
includes territorial disputes in light of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and
widened continental shelf, as provided for by UNCLOS. It is believed that the South
China Sea, which includes the West Philippine Sea and important fishing grounds,
contains significant oil and natural gas reserves. Additionally, China has
constructed artificial islands in the region, some of which are located in the
Spratly Islands, which the Philippines also claims.
China has continued its activities in the region, such as increasing militarization
and the construction of artificial islands, despite the Philippines' landmark
victory in July 2016 from the permanent court of arbitration in the Hague. This has
raised concerns among the Philippines and other claimant nations (Brunei, China,
Malaysia, and Taiwan). The situation continues to be volatile, with occasional
instances of Chinese forces harassing Philippine vessels and reports of Chinese
invasions into Philippine waters.
Script that discusses the stance of Filipinos on the West Philippine Sea issue:
Voiceover: The West Philippine Sea, also known as the South China Sea, has been a
longstanding territorial dispute between the Philippines and China.
Cut to footage of Chinese vessels and structures in the West Philippine Sea
Voiceover: China has claimed almost the entire South China Sea, including waters
within the exclusive economic zones of its neighbors, including the Philippines.
Cut to footage of Filipino fishermen and boats in the West Philippine Sea
Voiceover: However, the Philippines, along with other Southeast Asian countries,
have rejected China's claims, citing international law and historical evidence.
Fisherman: We have been fishing in these waters for generations. This is our
livelihood, and we will not let China take it away from us.
Politician: The Philippines has the exclusive right to explore and exploit the
resources within our exclusive economic zone. We will not give up our sovereign
rights to any foreign power.
Cut to footage of protests in the Philippines against China's actions in the West
Philippine Sea
Voiceover: Many Filipinos have expressed their anger and frustration at China's
aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea, including the building of artificial
islands and the presence of Chinese vessels in Philippine waters.
Cut to interview with a Filipino activist
Activist: China's actions in the West Philippine Sea are a clear violation of our
sovereignty and territorial integrity. We demand that they respect our rights as a
sovereign nation.
Cut to footage of the Philippines' legal challenge against China's claims in the
West Philippine Sea
Voiceover: In 2013, the Philippines filed a case against China in the Permanent
Court of Arbitration in The Hague, challenging the legality of China's nine-dash
line claim in the South China Sea.
Legal expert: The tribunal ruled in favor of the Philippines, stating that China's
claims in the South China Sea have no legal basis. This ruling is a victory not
just for the Philippines, but for all countries that uphold the rule of law.