Philippines Submits Nautical Chart to UN, Escalating Scarborough Shoal Dispute with China

The Philippines has opened a new legal and diplomatic front in its ongoing confrontation with China over Scarborough Shoal by formally placing an official nautical chart of the disputed feature and its surrounding maritime zones on record with the United Nations. This filing, however, does not resolve sovereignty or remove Chinese vessels from the area. Instead, it serves as a formal instrument under UNCLOS to anchor Manila's position and provide specific geographic coordinates for its claims. The chart was deposited by Ambassador Enrique Manalo on July 29, 2026, marking a significant step in the Philippines' strategy to assert its maritime entitlements.

The deposited chart establishes clear baselines and maritime limits around Scarborough Shoal in accordance with UNCLOS regulations. Specifically, the chart defines a 12-nautical-mile territorial sea and a 24-nautical-mile contiguous zone from lawful baselines. Article 16 of UNCLOS allows coastal states to deposit such nautical charts, providing precise geographic coordinates rather than vague diplomatic statements to solidify their claims.

Beijing's foreign ministry promptly rejected the Philippine action, labeling the baselines as illegal, null, and void, and accusing Manila of violating Chinese territorial sovereignty. China maintains that Scarborough Shoal, which it calls Huangyan Dao, is its inherent territory. Beijing argues that historical treaties exclude the feature from Philippine territory and continues to reject the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling, which largely favored the Philippines.

The 2016 Arbitral Tribunal clarified maritime entitlements around Scarborough Shoal but did not resolve the question of sovereignty. The tribunal described the shoal as a high-tide maritime feature and examined the maritime entitlements it could generate, but explicitly stated that territorial sovereignty was outside its jurisdiction. Notably, the tribunal ruled against China's 'nine-dash line' claims for resources in the South China Sea and found that Chinese vessels had unlawfully blocked Filipino fishermen from accessing the shoal.

Despite the 2016 arbitration ruling, China has maintained a strong and continuous Coast Guard presence around Scarborough Shoal since a 2012 standoff with the Philippines. This consistent presence has given Beijing de facto control over access to parts of the area, even though physical control does not, in itself, amount to an internationally recognized determination of sovereignty. Recent incidents in July 2024 have seen Chinese Coast Guard vessels using water cannons and engaging in risky maneuvers near Philippine vessels, further highlighting this ongoing contest for control versus legal title.

Philippine authorities have strongly condemned what they describe as 'dangerous and unprofessional actions' by the China Coast Guard during recent maritime encounters near Scarborough Shoal. Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela specifically accused China of dangerous maneuvering near a Philippine fisheries vessel, raising concerns about the safety of Filipino fishermen and Coast Guard personnel. These incidents underscore the escalating tensions and the inherent risks of frequent confrontations in the disputed waters. The Philippines maintains that its operations are lawful and within its sovereign rights, citing the 2016 arbitral ruling.