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Written question asked by Lord Soames of Fletching (Conservative) on Friday, 6 November 2015, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 10 November 2015. It was answered by Penny Mordaunt (Conservative) on Monday, 16 November 2015 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Spratly Islands: Territorial Waters

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Royal Navy plans to adhere to the 12-nautical mile territorial limit proclaimed by China around the Subi and Mischief reefs in the Spratly archipelago; and if he will make a statement.

Answer

In accordance with international law as set out in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Royal Navy warships exercise the right of innocent passage whenever transiting in another States' recognised territorial seas. The exercise of the right of innocent passage requires neither prior authorization nor authorization from the coastal State. When operating in the Exclusive Economic Zone of a coastal State, RN warships will exercise full freedom of navigation and overflight whilst respecting any established safety zones, up to 500 meters, around an artificial island, installation or structure.

In the South China Sea the UK has a strong interest in the maintenance of peace and stability, which is underpinned by respect for, and adherence to, international law. The UK strongly supports its right, and that of all States, to exercise freedom of navigation in accordance with UNCLOS. We urge all States to respect these very important rights.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
15272
Session
2015-16
Subjects
China Navy Territorial waters Spratly Islands
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk