Google removes Chinese name on map after Philippine furore

The Philippine government supported an online petition for Google company, by the Non-government Organization Change.org to to remove a Chinese name from a disputed shoal in the South China Sea on its site.

The United Nations Arbitral Tribunal is now meeting in The Hague, The Netherlands, to deliberate on the Philippines’ case against China over disputed territories in the South China Sea. China, which claims virtually all the South China Sea, says the reef is part of its territory.

The hearings in The Hague will address China’s contention the arbitration body does not have authority to assume jurisdiction over Manila’s complaint against Beijing. Philippine Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said she is confident the court will assume jurisdiction over the case.when it rules on the issue.

“China expresses strong protest and firm opposition to the reinforcement of the warship”, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said, reiterating China’s sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and surrounding waters.

Reichler went on to argue that the Philippines had met the obligation in the Convention to exchange views with China concerning the settlement of the dispute before it sought arbitration.

Meanwhile in Second Thomas Shoal, the Philippine military is working on reinforcing the rusting hull of the BRP Sierra Madre. Despite China’s apprehension, Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose has stated, “We have asked China to participate and we continue to extend the invitation for them to explain their side”. The Philippine navy has been using wooden fishing boats and other small craft to move cement, steel, cabling and welding equipment to the aging ship, according to The Guardian.

The 100 gauge-very long (330-foot) fish tank striking ship was created for your You can introduce.S. Navy during World War Two. The island is also sometimes known as Panatag Shoal by the Philippines. Underlining the great importance of the ongoing arbitration, Japan, Malaysia, and Vietnam-nations that happen to also be locked into bitter territorial disputes with China-have sent observers to the hearing.

But beyond the ambit of Philippine-China territorial disputes, what is at stake is the necessity to ensure all modern nation-states adhere to their treaty commitments under prevailing legal principles.