PH rejects China’s ‘baseless’ claims over WPS

MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) of the Philippines has reaffirmed the nation’s sovereignty and authority over Bajo de Masinloc and the Kalayaan Island Group, countering China’s assertions of historical rights in the South China Sea.

In a statement released on Sunday, the DFA rejected China’s claims of historic rights and expansive assertions in the resource-rich region as unfounded and deceptive.

The DFA emphasized that Bajo de Masinloc and the islands comprising the Kalayaan Island Group were clearly depicted in administrative maps of the Philippines dating back to the Spanish colonial period, notably on the 1734 Murillo Velarde Map of the Philippines.

Furthermore, it highlighted that the 2016 Arbitral Award unequivocally invalidated China’s claims to historical rights or jurisdiction beyond the bounds set by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), stating that such claims have no legal validity.

Despite the ruling by the international tribunal, which refuted China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, Beijing, which asserts sovereignty over almost the entire region, including waters recognized by the Philippines as the West Philippine Sea, has chosen to disregard it.

“The Philippines maintains a firm stand against misguided claims and irresponsible actions that violate Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in its own maritime domain,” the DFA said. 

“The Philippines has never used the South China Sea issue to heighten tensions, mislead the international community, or undermine peace and stability in the region,” it added as it urged China to reconsider its “unfounded positions and claims.”

Last week, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) stated that Manila rejected numerous maritime-related proposals from Beijing because they were deemed “inconsistent with our national interests.”

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also remarked on China’s proposals, questioning their foundation, especially after a Chinese official, as reported by the Manila Times, noted that the 11 concept papers presented by Beijing last year “received no response from the Marcos administration.”