Vietnam's Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday that it had filed a claim at the United Nations to extend the continental shelf in the South China Sea. This comes a month after the Philippines took a similar step.

Hanoi wants to extend its continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles of relevant baselines within its territorial waters. The ministry made this announcement in a press release.

In the submission, Vietnam also reiterates its sovereignty over Hoang Sa Archipelago (Paracel), and Truong Sa Archipelago (Spratly), which is in accordance with International Law.

China claims nearly the entire South China Sea. This includes parts claimed by Brunei Malaysia Taiwan and Vietnam. The strategic waterway is rich in fish and oil deposits. It also has natural gas reserves.

China has said that it is strongly opposed to Vietnam's submission, and has made solemn representations to the Vietnamese side.

Lin Jian said that Vietnam's claim covered part of China's Nansha Islands. This violates China territorial sovereignty, maritime rights, and interests.

Vietnam's Foreign Ministry said that it sent a verbale note to the Secretary General of the U.N. in order to express Vietnam's position on a similar submission made by the Philippines last week.

In response, the Philippines stated that it was willing to work with Vietnam to find a solution to South China Sea disputes, which would be mutually beneficial, and in accordance with International Law.

The statement said that this is Vietnam's third ECS submission. This includes a submission for the North Area of South China Sea or Vietnam's East Sea in 2009, as well as a joint submission made with Malaysia regarding the southern portion of the area. The statement added that this is Vietnam's third submission of an ECS, including a submission in respect of the North Area of the South China Sea or Vietnam's East Sea and a joint submission with Malaysia in 2009 regarding the southern part.