China protests over Vietnam's move to extend continental shelf claim in South China Sea

China on Thursday said that Vietnam and the Philippines' have claimed an extended continental shelf in the South China Sea.

Vietnam submitted a claim to the United Nations for an extended continental shelf a month after the Philippines placed a similar request.

The submission of the limit of the continental shelf beyond the current 200 nautical miles was made in order to assert the country’s maritime rights and responsibilities as per international law, Vietnam’s Foreign Ministry said earlier in the day.

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian refuted the claim at a daily news briefing.

“Such submissions don't have any substantial effect and will only accentuate differences and exacerbate frictions which will in no way help resolve the disputes,” Lin argued, citing the agency’s rule of procedure of not considering a submission while a dispute exists.

China has been at odds with the Philippines, Vietnam and many other countries in the region for years over its sweeping maritime claims, including almost all of the South China Sea.

Asked about a joint statement issued by Japan and 18 Pacific Island countries rejecting any changes to the status quo by force, Lin said he has yet to see the statement but called on the countries’ cooperation to help improve “mutual understanding and trust” between regional countries.

The statement was released on Thursday as the two sides wrapped up their three-day leaders’ summit in Tokyo.

Over the years, Japan, the U.S. and Australia have stepped up cooperation with the Pacific Islands, apparently to counter efforts by Beijing to expand its security and economic influence in the region.

At the briefing, Lin announced Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly’s visit to China starting on Thursday at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.

“The two sides will have in-depth communication on China-Canada relations and issues of common concern so as to promote the improvement and development of bilateral relations,” Lin said without giving more details.