MALAYSIA SHOULD EMBRACE COMPLIANCE ON ITS OVERLAPPING CONTINENTAL SHELF CLAIM

BY VU HAI DANG | MARCH 11, 2020
AMTI UPDATE

Recently, international observers have been puzzled to see Malaysia undertaking oil and gas operations in the overlapping extended continental shelf area defined by its 2009 joint submission with Vietnam to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS). As reported by AMTI, the West Capella, a drillship contracted by Malaysian national oil and gas company Petronas, entered and began operations within the “Joint Defined Area” on December 21, 2019. This move has provoked a three-way standoff between Malaysia, China, and Vietnam involving warships, coastguard, militia, and civilian vessels. Why would Malaysia choose to ignore its 2009 joint submission with Vietnam and undermine ASEAN solidarity?

Whatever its motivations, Malaysia should err on the side of caution. Instead of venturing into undertakings in the Joint Defined Area which may not be lawful, Malaysia should consider doing what is certain to be consistent with international law.

Unilateral Exploration May Be Unlawful

Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Joint Defined Area between Malaysia and Vietnam should be considered as having “pending status” on two fronts. First, it is a continental shelf pending delimitation between states with opposite or adjacent coasts. And second, it is an extended continental shelf claim beyond 200 nautical miles which is still awaiting recommendations from the CLCS.

Concerning the first category, UNCLOS requires relevant states not to jeopardize or hamper the reaching of a final agreement on delimitation. International tribunals have recognized this as an obligation to avoid unilateral invasive activities in undelimited areas. In the Guyana/Suriname case in 2007, the arbitral tribunal stated that unilateral exploratory drilling in an undelimited or disputed area which causes physical change to the marine environment may jeopardize or hamper the reaching of a final agreement on delimitation. The arbitral tribunal found that less invasive exploratory activity in a disputed area, such as seismic surveying, could be permissible.

In the more recent Ghana/Côte d’Ivoire case, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) allowed preexisting unilateral operations to continue in disputed areas pending the judgement of the tribunal, but prohibited new drilling. The tribunal found in its 2017 judgement that drilling undertaken by Ghana had not prejudiced Côte d’Ivoire’s sovereign rights, but only because the area in question was ultimately attributed to Ghana, which had acted in good faith on that assumption. If the tribunal had delimited the maritime boundary in favor of Côte d’Ivoire, then Ghana’s unilateral operations would have indeed prejudiced Côte d’Ivoire’s sovereign rights.

Given that the West Capella is a drillship, it can be assumed that Malaysia is engaged in unilateral drilling, not just less invasive surveys. Malaysia might be assuming in good faith that the part of the Joint Defined Area in question would be awarded to it in any eventual delimitation. But it also recognized that the area is disputed when it made the joint submission to the CLCS in 2009, so undertaking new drilling in the area now falls short of the precedent set by Ghana/Côte d’Ivoire.

Regarding extended continental shelf areas beyond 200 nautical miles, UNCLOS remains silent on what rights and obligations coastal states have while their claims are still pending recommendations from the CLCS. International tribunals have so far only provided very general guidance on that subject, finding that activities should not prejudice the rights of third parties or the international community. Given that the Joint Defined Area lies in disputed waters and has not received a recommendation from the CLCS, would unilateral exploration be considered an activity that prejudices those rights? The answer may again depend on whether the operation causes physical change to the marine environment. In the case of drilling, the answer would certainly be yes.

Delimitation: The Safer Course

A closer look at judgments and awards from international tribunals relating to extended continental shelf claims that are awaiting recommendations from the CLCS shows that one activity that is surely consistent with international law is the delimitation of this area between the states involved. Various tribunals have stated that delimitation does not prejudice the rights and interests of third-party states or the international community. Nor can it be seen as encroaching on the function of the CLCS because the commission’s role in delineating the outer limits of the continental shelf is distinct from delimiting its lateral limits between two states. ITLOS was clear on the matter in its judgement in Bangladesh/Myanmar: “There is nothing in the Convention [i.e. UNCLOS] or in the Rules of Procedure of the Commission [i.e. CLCS] or in its practice to indicate that delimitation of the continental shelf constitutes an impediment to the performance by the Commission of its functions.”

From this perspective, Malaysia could begin discussions with Vietnam about delimiting the Joint Defined Area. The two countries could choose to do it by way of negotiations or adjudication. While the greater degree of control over the process offered by negotiation seems to make it the preferred practice for maritime delimitation for South China Sea states, adjudication has some important advantages for Malaysia in this case. First, it could be faster. Boundary negotiations can last for decades without agreement whereas ITLOS or an ad hoc arbitral tribunal would take about three years to reach a decision. Second, Malaysia has significant experience in settling maritime disputes using third party mechanisms, having initiated four different proceedings, one of which involved both ITLOS and arbitration under Annex VII of UNCLOS (i.e. the case concerning Land Reclamation in and around the Straits of Johor). Last but not least, a decision from an international tribunal could help reinforce the validity of the joint submission made by Malaysia and Vietnam. In cases such as Bangladesh/Myanmar and Ghana/Côte d’Ivoire, ITLOS went so far as to examine relevant parties’ submissions to the CLCS itself to conclude that they had entitlements to an extended continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles even when the CLCS had not yet issued a recommendation.

Delimitation may be a slower and less eye-catching way for Malaysia to affirm its sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the Joint Defined Area than simply undertaking unilateral drilling. But it is the only way forward that is guaranteed to be lawful. Even more importantly, it can help avoid confrontations like the current three-way standoff, which carries a risk of instigating a larger conflict and undermines ASEAN unity.

The author would like to thank Ms. Pham Ngoc Minh Trang and Mr. Duong Danh Huy for their help in the completion of this commentary.

About Vu Hai Dang

Vu Hai Dang is a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for International Law, National University of Singapore.

Continue

Lifestyle / Fashion & Beauty

Vietnamese jet-setter with coronavirus a guest at top fashion shows in Milan and Paris

• Wealthy 27-year-old attended Gucci and Saint Laurent catwalk shows before testing positive for coronavirus upon her return to Vietnam
• Hundreds of people attended each of the shows, and fashion editors and buyers who returned from Milan and Paris have gone into self-quarantine

Vincenzo La Torre

Published: 8:25pm, 8 Mar, 2020

TOP PICKS

Magazines

Keeping the faith: the Jews of Kaifeng, China, date back 1,400 years

8 Mar 2020

Lifestyle

Hong Kong? No thanks, say fashion brands breaking into mainland China

13 Feb 2020

Lifestyle

Still using a TV? This projector could change your mind

9 Mar 2020

Magazines

Gold drew the Chinese to Australia, why is their legacy largely forgotten?

22 Feb 2020

Magazines

The Scientist and the Spy: a story of industrial espionage

8 Feb 2020

Lifestyle

When Airbnb hosts cancel bookings because you look Asian

7 Mar 2020

Lifestyle

‘I’m always being told I’m not enough’: gender bias in showbiz

6 Mar 2020

Lifestyle

How martial arts film King Boxer became a lasting fan favourite

2 Mar 2020

Lifestyle

Keep calm and breathe on: yoga tips to beat coronavirus fears

28 Feb 2020

Magazines

Triad murders, wild boar barbecues: life on the Hong Kong beat

23 Feb 2020

12.7k

Nga Nguyen attends a recent fashion event at The British Museum in London. The 27-year-old from Vietnam tested positive for coronavirus, having attended shows at fashion weeks in Milan and Paris. Photo: David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Fashion For Relief

A wealthy Vietnamese jet-setter who tested positive for coronavirus after a trip to Europe attended luxury catwalk shows at fashion weeks in Milan and Paris.

Among the events Nga Nguyen, 27, is known to have attended were fashion shows by Saint Laurent in Paris and Gucci in Milan.

She documented her attendance at the fashion weeks, including the two shows, on her now deleted Instagram account. According to Vietnamese media, the globetrotting Nga, who is based between Vietnam and London, is the daughter of a steel magnate. Nga visited Europe with her sister Nguyen Hong Nhung, 26, who also tested positive for coronavirus.

Paris Fashion Week attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world to the French capital, but the Saint Laurent show would have had a select guest list, which is normally capped at about 1,000 people.

Guest were packed tight for shows such as that by Dior at Paris Fashion Week, where a Vietnamese guest at the Saint Laurent show later tested positive for coronavirus. Photo: Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/Getty Images

Top fashion editors and department store buyers who attended the Paris and Milan fashion weeks are still in self-imposed quarantine after returning to their home countries.

Editors from the United States and from Asian countries such as Singapore and Thailand have confirmed that their companies have asked them not to return to their offices after visiting Milan, which is in the Lombardy region of Italy, the country with the largest number of cases outside Asia. On Sunday, northern Italy, including Lombardy, 

was placed under lockdown

 to curb the spread of the virus.

Vietnam has so far reported 29 cases of the coronavirus.

The Post was not at Milan Fashion Week, where the Gucci show took place, but attended the Saint Laurent show, held in a large venue where guests sat close together.

As a respiratory disease, the coronavirus is highly transmissible through human contact, which is why doctors have advised people to practice “social distancing” to slow down its spread.

Nga Nguyen attends a recent fragrance launch at the Hotel Cafe Royal in London. Photo: David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Kilian

During 

Paris Fashion Week,

 France stopped all gatherings of more than 5,000 people, but this had only a small effect on proceedings, with some cocktail events and a few shows cancelled.

Livenguide is different to other social networks, such as Facebook, in the following key points:

1. Livenguide don't collect unauthorized user information like what you've liked, what comments you have on a specific topic, or what political views you have. We do not collect your Livenguide information and usage habits. Put simply, Livenguide DO NOT TRACK USERS. 

2. Livenguide lays down CLEAR RULE on to whom and how your posts are shown. This rule ensures your posts are treated in the most equitable manner whoever you are, whenever you post and on whatever topics. Livenguide do not restrict information because of the "profile" of Livenguide users. Livenguide do not monopolize and manipulate information.

3. Livenguide NEVER DELETE YOUR POST, CLOSE YOUR ACCOUNT without exchanging and seeking resolution with you. Founded and developed by social activists, Livenguide understand and are committed to protecting your freedom of speech and rights to privacy. You can use Livenguide to record your own daily memories or share with others your insights. Your Livenguide account is like a private home and we absolutely respect it.

4. Livenguide is a safe, healthy and ethical social network. We DO NOT DEVELOP BY ALL PRICE and target vulnerable user groups such as minors or teenagers. We place user safety over profit or development.

5. Livenguide is a social network that encourages people to meet and participate in Activities together. We value your time with relatives and friends. Livenguide DO NOT USE TRICKS TO DRAG YOU TO THE SCREENS. You can use Livenguide calmly and without any psychological pressure.

Livenguide want to give you another social networking experience. Serene, safe, fun and useful.

love 

Ti Su Hao shared to FB Faifo Phố Hoài


"You say that you love rain,
But you open your umbrella when it rains.
You say that you love the sun,
But you find a shadow spot when the sun shines.
You say that you love the wind,
But you close your windows when wind blows.
This is why I am afraid,
You say that you love me too."

-

(Có một số nguồn khác lại bảo rằng bài thơ này của Bob Marley, nhưng đính chính lại rằng là của một nhà thơ người Thổ Nhĩ Kỳ tên là Qyazzirah Syeikh Ariffin)

--

Trên mạng Đại Việt Cổ Phong, thấy có người phỏng phong cách Hồ Xuân Hương dịch thành:

Chém cha mấy đứa thích trời mưa
Mưa xuống che ô, chẳng chịu vừa
Năm lần bảy lượt mê trời nắng
Lại núp bóng vườn lúc giữa trưa
Thích có gió lên, hiu hiu thổi
Nhưng rồi khép cửa, chẳng khe thưa
Thân này ai nói yêu thương nhớ
Chẳng biết thật không, khéo lại lừa!

--

Còn với Bà Huyện Thanh Quan, sẽ thành:

Ai ước trời mưa hắt bóng tà
Mưa về xuống chợ, mở ô ra
Bâng khuâng khách trú, mong trời nắng
Nắng sáng trời trong, núp bóng nhà
Nhớ gió chưa về đưa chút chút
Then cài bỏ mặc gió xa xa
Dừng thơ ngẫm lại lời non nước
Biết có thật không, người với ta?

--

Sang đến Nguyễn Du, phong cách Truyện Kiều, thơ sẽ được dịch thành:

Trăm năm trong cõi người ta
Yêu mưa yêu nắng khéo là dễ quên
Núp tán dâu lúc nắng lên
Che ô mưa xuống mà thê thảm lòng

Lạ gì kẻ thích gió đông
Những là quen thói gió lồng cài then
Thơ tình lần giở trước đèn
Liệu chàng còn nhớ thề nguyền ngày xưa?

--

Xuân Diệu dịch:

Có một dạo, em thèm cơn mưa quá,
Hạt rơi là, em vội lấy ô sang
"Em những mong, có một chút nắng vàng!"
Vầng dương lên, em dịu dàng nấp bóng

Em thủ thỉ: "Ước gì... cơn gió lộng..."
Cơn mưa về, bên cửa đóng, xoa tay
Anh mỉm cười, nhưng bỗng thấy lo ngay
Vì anh sợ, lời yêu em cũng thế...

--

Hàn Mặc Tử dịch:

Sao em không còn yêu mưa nữa?
Mà vội xoè ô đợi nắng lên?
Nắng lên gắt quá, em không chịu
Núp bóng râm che, mặt chữ điền

Em thích những ngày mây gió lên
Sao đóng cửa rồi then cài then?
Lời ai ong bướm sao ngon ngọt
Yêu mến thật lòng được mấy phen?

--

Ông Long dịch theo phong cách cô giáo Lam:

Đất nước mình lạ quá phải không anh?
Đang nắng thì mưa, che ô thì hết
Nắng chói loá thì kêu rằng rõ mệt
Giá bóng râm có phải thích hơn không.
Đất nước mình kỳ quá phải không anh?
Ai cũng bảo là yêu gió mát
Nhưng mỗi khi gió thổi về bát ngát
Lại với tay đóng cửa sổ lại ngay.
Đất nước mình lo quá phải không anh?
Ai cũng bảo là yêu nhau tha thiết
Nhưng nói thế, tức là em cũng biết
Yêu hay là lời chót lưỡi đầu môi?

HỒ Dzếnh, theo phong cách của 6 câu đầu trong bài thơ Ngập Ngừng:

Em tâm sự: yêu mưa và nắng, gió
Nhưng khi mưa lại lủi vội vào hiên
Nắng kia lên, em té chạy vào nhà
Khi có gió, đóng liền khung cửa nhỏ

Tôi cứ sợ, khi nghe lời em nói
“Em yêu anh”, là có phải thật không?

NGUYỄN BÍNH dịch:

Nắng mưa là chuyện của trời,
Thế mà nàng cứ hết lời yêu thương.
Thôn Đoài mượn chút mưa vương,
Thôn Đông đội nón trên đường che vai.

Hàng cau gọi chút nắng mai,
Giàn trầu tay níu tay cài nấc thang.
Dẫu rằng cách trở đò giang,
Gió lên bến đợi, đò càng phụ ai.

Thôn Đông nói nhớ thôn Đoài,
Tương tư này lại thức hoài bao đêm.

(Theo phong cách của bài thơ Tương Tư – Nguyễn Bính)

...

Nguồn: Lê Tiên Long/Đại Việt Cổ Phong