The Value of the Manila Declaration on International Dispute Settlement in a Case in Which the Philippines is a Party

In the present controversy surrounding the South China Sea, China protested against a Philippine plan to explore for oil and gas in the area in the South China Sea. On 4 July 2011, the Chinese Embassy delivered a protest to the Philippine government after Manila had invited foreign companies to bid for the right to explore for oil and gas in 15 areas. According to the mass media, Chinese officials opposed the inclusion of areas 3 and 4 northwest of the island of Palawan in the invitation for bidding. It is an undisputed fact that the said areas 3 and 4 are not part of the territorial seas of the Philippines within the 12-mile zone measured from its baselines. In respect of the exploration and exploitation of oil and gas in the continental shelf beyond territorial seas, it is desirable that the coastal States in the area conclude agreements on its delimitation before issuing concessions for these activities. In addition, the international courts and tribunals are of the view that the concessions unilaterally granted do not prejudice the delimitation. More or less, they take concessions into account when they confirm the median line between the opposite coasts of the parties. Adapted from the source document.