The Republic of the Philippines claims sovereignty over certain of the Spratly Islands, known locally as the Kalayaan (Freedom) Islands, also claimed by China, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
The 2002 “Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea” has eased tensions in the Spratly Islands but falls short of a legally binding “code of conduct” desired by several of the disputants.
In March 2005, the national oil companies of China, the Philippines, and Vietnam signed a joint accord to conduct marine seismic activities in the Spratly Islands.
The Philippines retains a dormant claim to Malaysia’s Sabah State in northern Borneo based on the Sultanate of Sulu’s granting the Philippine Government power of attorney to pursue a sovereignty claim on his behalf
Maritime delimitation negotiations continue with Palau.
