On July 29, 2026, the Philippines submitted its nautical chart of Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, to the United Nations. This chart outlines the territorial sea and contiguous zone of the shoal, which has been under Chinese control since 2012.
Strengthening Legal Claims
The chart, prepared by the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), is a crucial element in the Philippines’ maritime strategy. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), this submission ensures that the Philippines' maritime information becomes part of the international legal record.
By depositing the chart, the Philippines formally notifies the international community of its normal baselines and the geographic extent of its applicable authority and jurisdiction at Bajo de Masinloc.
Department of Foreign Affairs, Philippines
The DFA emphasized the importance of this chart in light of climate change and rising sea levels. As coastlines shift, maintaining accurate nautical charts is vital for preserving maritime entitlements.
China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already rejected the Philippines' submission, despite a 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated many of China's expansive claims in the South China Sea. Access to Bajo de Masinloc has been contentious, with Chinese vessels regularly harassing Philippine fishing boats.
The 2016 arbitral ruling, which was not focused on territorial sovereignty, recognized Bajo de Masinloc as a traditional fishing ground for Filipino, Chinese, and Vietnamese fishermen. However, since 2012, Chinese control has effectively restricted access for Philippine fishers.
This latest action by the Philippine government comes amid escalating tensions in the region, with frequent incidents involving the China Coast Guard and other Chinese vessels. The submission to the UN is seen as a strategic move to assert the Philippines' maritime rights and enhance its diplomatic standing.