Latest news with #maritimezones
South China Morning Post
7 days ago
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Philippines to push for binding South China Sea code in 2026 – will it succeed?
In an interview for his podcast last Friday, Marcos Jnr confirmed his side would 'certainly try' for the outcome, stressing the urgency of a legally binding agreement to maintain stability in the region. Four Asean states – Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines – have competing claims against Beijing in the South China Sea , yet disputed areas in the Philippines have become prominent flashpoints for these tensions. 'We will certainly try, because a code of conduct is very, very important,' Marcos said, adding that his country's maritime zones had become the most volatile parts of the waterway. An international tribunal ruled in favour of the Philippines' claims in 2016. Beijing has constantly rejected the decision and upheld its nine-dash-line claim, which it says is based on historical accounts. According to Marcos, a COC would outline acceptable and appropriate behaviour while preventing actions that could further provoke tensions among claimant states, including ship collisions and the construction of artificial islands.
Arab News
20-06-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Libya objects to Greek tender for hydrocarbon exploration off Crete
TRIPOLI: Libya's internationally recognized government of national unity has objected to Greece's approval of an international tender for hydrocarbon exploration off the island of Crete, saying some of the blocks infringed upon its own maritime zones. The two countries have been trying to mend relations strained by an accord signed in 2019 between the Libyan government and Greece's regional rival Turkiye, which mapped out a sea area between them close to the Greek island. Greece opposed the agreement, saying it had no legal basis as it sought to create an exclusive economic zone from Turkiye's southern Mediterranean shore to Libya's northeast coast, ignoring the presence of Crete. Last month Athens invited bidders for hydrocarbon exploration in two blocks south of Crete following an expression of interest by US major Chevron. Libya's Tripoli-based foreign ministry said in a statement late on Thursday that some of the tendered sea blocks off Crete fell within disputed zones and were 'a clear violation of Libya's sovereign rights.' The ministry objected 'to any exploration or drilling activities in these areas without a prior legal understanding that respects the rules of international law,' it said, calling on Greek authorities to prioritize dialogue and negotiation. Responding to questions at the Greek parliament, Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis said Greece was willing to discuss with Libya 'the delimitation of maritime zones within the framework of international law.' Gerapetritis is expected to visit Libya in the coming weeks, an official with the Greek foreign ministry told Reuters on condition of anonymity.
