Naming territory a symbolic act of sovereignty

THE Palace is to be commended for protesting China’s naming of five features in the Philippine Rise, also known as Benham Rise.

That vast undersea area in the Pacific is part of the Philippines’ continental shelf, therefore giving the country sovereign rights, including the economic exploitation of natural resources. Manila is well within its rights to insist that other countries seek its permission to conduct research in the area, and even drive away foreign vessels as recently ordered by the President.