Tensions in the South China Sea are heating up again! 🔥 The Philippines announced it submitted a formal claim to the UN to assert exclusive rights over an extended continental shelf in the contested waters. The move, approved by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., aims to secure future resource exploration under international law.
🇵🇭 Philippine officials called it a 'technical and scientific' push to define underwater territory stretching up to 350 nautical miles from its coast. But here's the twist: they're using the term 'West Philippine Sea' – a label Manila applies to parts of the South China Sea within its claimed economic zone.
⚖️ While UNCLOS rules allow countries to file such claims, this latest play could reignite regional debates. No official responses yet from neighboring nations, but maritime experts are already buzzing about potential geopolitical ripple effects. 🌏💡
Stay tuned as we track how this high-stakes chess game unfolds! 🗺️🔍
