Chinese Vessels’ Incursion on Julian Felipe Reef: A Territorial Dispute in the West Philippine Sea

Location Overview:

• Julian Felipe Reef, also known as Whitsun Reef, forms part of the Spratly Islands within the West Philippine Sea, an area in the larger South China Sea. This reef lies firmly within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, spanning a significant portion of its territorial waters.

Reef Description:

• Characterized by its expansive, shallow coral reef formation shaped like a boomerang, Julian Felipe Reef holds strategic importance within the region.

Recent Controversy:

• In early 2021, the reef attracted global attention due to the presence of over 135 Chinese vessels, identified by the Philippines as maritime militia, encroaching upon its waters. This incursion exacerbated the ongoing territorial dispute involving the Philippines, China, and Vietnam.

Territorial Dispute Dynamics:

• The conflicting claims over Julian Felipe Reef, a part of the larger South China Sea territorial disputes, primarily involve the Philippines, China, and Vietnam. The Philippines asserts its ownership of the reef within its 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone, citing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in support of its claims.

International Arbitration and Context:

• In response to the dispute, the Philippines has pursued international arbitration under UNCLOS to reinforce its sovereignty over Julian Felipe Reef. This contention is embedded in the intricate web of territorial disagreements among multiple countries in the South China Sea region.