The Philippines will protest China’s decision to name five undersea features in Philippine Rise (Benham Rise), saying it will not recognize the move approved by an international organization, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said. “We object and do not recognize the Chinese names given to some undersea features in the Philippine Rise,” Roque said in a statement. In 2014, China submitted names for consideration by the International Hydrographic Organization, an intergovernmental organization which aims to ensure the world’s waters are surveyed and charted.

Barcelo, V., & Ramos-Araneta, M. (2018, February 15). Manila bucks China naming of Benham features. Manila Standards, pp. A1, A2.