Montenegro Calls for Respect Amidst South China Sea Dispute

Montenegro has issued an appeal for international law to be respected, particularly in light of China’s growing claims in the disputed South China Sea. 

During an interview with CNN Philippines’ The Final Word, Prime Minister Dritan Abazovi underlined the significance of conforming to international standards and norms.

As a member of the United Nations, Montenegro expressed its readiness to support the Philippines in promoting international law.

China’s Recent Map Update

China has modified their standard map, which includes a pattern of ten dashes making a U shape to assert its territorial claims over the entire South China Sea. These claims overlap with the exclusive economic zones of a number of regional countries, including the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam, and Indonesia. 

The Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs has already filed a formal objection in response to this contentious map.

The message from Prime Minister Abazovi is one of solidarity with the Philippines and devotion to international law. Montenegro, a tiny and peaceful country that is a member of the United Nations, emphasizes the necessity of adhering to established international rules and conventions for resolving territorial and maritime conflicts.

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This statement reflects the broader international concern over China’s expansive territorial claims in the South China Sea and highlights the importance of maintaining a rules-based international order to resolve such disputes.

Prime Minister Abazović’s message resonates as an expression of solidarity with the Philippines and a resounding call for the adherence to international law. As a nation characterized by its commitment to peace, despite its size, Montenegro underscores the paramount importance of maintaining established international standards and norms when addressing territorial and maritime disputes.

Montenegro’s statement echoes the global concern surrounding China’s extensive territorial claims in the South China Sea, emphasizing the necessity of preserving a rules-based international order to peacefully resolve such complex disputes.