Vietnam Moves to Extend Continental Shelf in South China Sea

Vietnam has submitted a claim to the United Nations to extend its continental shelf in the South China Sea, following a similar move by the Philippines. The region is highly contested, with significant economic stakes due to its rich natural resources and strategic importance in global trade routes.

Vietnam has announced filing a claim with the United Nations to extend its continental shelf in the South China Sea, a development that follows a similar move by the Philippines last month, according to the country's foreign ministry.

This latest claim marks Vietnam's third submission regarding the extension of its continental shelf. The first two included a 2009 joint submission with Malaysia and a separate submission concerning the North Area of the South China Sea. The claim aims to exercise the rights and obligations of state parties under international maritime law.

The South China Sea, a strategic waterway valued at approximately $3 trillion in trade annually, is also believed to be rich in oil, natural gas, and fish stocks. Vietnam has reiterated its sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos, responding to the Philippines' similar submission with a note verbale to the U.N. Secretary-General.

(With inputs from agencies.)