UP IMLOS releases updated primer on the West Philippine Sea
The University of the Philippines Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea has unveiled a new edition of the primer on the West Philippine Sea, which includes the 2016 Arbitral Award, recent maritime incidents, and changes in the country's maritime governance.
On July 25, the institute launched the updated edition of its primer titled, The West Philippine Sea: The Territorial and Maritime Jurisdiction Disputes from a Filipino Perspective, which presents key developments and a comprehensive discussion of the territorial and maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea.
"The new edition incorporates significant legal and institutional developments, including the 2016 Arbitral Award, recent maritime incidents, and changes in Philippine maritime governance," it said.
It said that the discussion highlighted that the West Philippine Sea dispute goes beyond territorial issues, describing it as "a contest of law, history, public narratives, environmental stewardship, and national policy." It added that the primer aims to help more Filipinos better understand and participate in protecting the country's maritime rights and national heritage.
The revised primer expands its discussion of the West Philippine Sea by incorporating updated explanations of the 2016 Arbitral Award, the Philippines' maritime rights under the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, the country's 2024 extended continental shelf submission in the West Palawan Region, and the strategic, economic, and environmental importance of key maritime features such as Bajo de Masinloc.
It also presents updated legal analyses of China's maritime claims and actions under international law, including UNCLOS.
There's also discussion on the Kalayaan Island Group, legal actions the Philippines can pursue in addressing the dispute, and the roles of government agencies involved in maritime governance and the protection of the country's interests in the West Philippine Sea.
The primer's release comes days after the Department of Foreign Affairs condemned and protested an AI-generated video by Chinese state-run media outlet China Daily portraying Filipinos as monkeys while criticizing the 2016 arbitral ruling, describing the content as "racist," "deeply offensive," and "dehumanizing."
The new edition is available for free download via this link.
