Which Countries Border the Philippines?
Officially known as the Republic of the Philippines, the Philippines is a country that is located in Southeast Asia. The archipelagic nation comprises more than 7,000 islands that are subdivided into three major divisions namely Luzon, Mindanao, and the Visayas. In total, the country has a total area of about 120,000 square miles with Manila being the capital city. Being an island nation, the west of the country is bordered by the South China Sea while the east is bound by the Philippine Sea. The southwest region of the country is bordered by the Celebes Sea. In addition, the Philippines has maritime borders with China (the west), Japan (the west), Vietnam (the west), Malaysia (the south), Taiwan (the west), Indonesia (the south), and Palau (the east).
Indonesia–Philippines Maritime Border
The border between these two countries, as defined by a pact signed in 2014, mainly lies in the Celebes Sea. The border has a length of about 722.2 miles and acts as the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) between the two nations. A look at the relations between the two shows that they are close allies in issues such as the rule of law and democracy. The diplomatic ties go all the way back to 1949 with both countries having an embassy in the other.
Malaysia–Philippines Maritime Border
This border lies in three water bodies namely the South China Sea, the Celebes Sea, and the Sulu Sea. The border acts as a divide between the state of Sabah, Malaysia (on the island of Borneo), and the Philippine region of the Sulu Islands. The boundary in use is almost the same as that was established during the time of the Sulu Sultanate. The division has been challenged by the Philippines claiming that part of Sabah belongs to Malaysia.
China–Philippines Maritime Border
The border between China and the Philippines lies in the South China Sea. However, the two countries have never agreed on the exact line of the border. In recent times, the relations between the two countries have improved slightly as the Philippines have started to support communism in China.
Japan–Philippines Maritime Border
The two countries share a border that lies in the South China Sea as well. The relations between the two date all the way back to the 16th century. Currently, the two countries cooperate in a number of things such as financial aid from Japan.
Palau–Philippines Maritime Border
Like China, this border has not been officially demarcated by the two countries. However, there is no argument that the border is located in the southeastern region of the Philippines. Diplomatic relations have been present although they are strained by the border disputes.
Vietnam–Philippines Maritime Border
Also located in the South China Sea, the border between these two countries has not been demarcated. This border is a source of conflict for not only these two countries but also with China and other countries.
Taiwan–Philippines Maritime Border
The two countries have a border in the South China Sea and have foreign relations via cultural and economic offices in both Manila and Taipei. Despite these relations, there are border issues between the two countries and others over the Spratly Group of Islands.
