Philippines rejects Beijing’s claim to sovereignty over entire South China Sea
MANILA, March 16 (Reuters) – The Philippines said on Monday it rejected Beijing’s claim to sovereignty over the entire South China Sea, challenging a Chinese embassy’s claim that a Filipino diplomat acknowledged that the disputed Scarborough Shoal is not part of Philippine territory.
“China should be reminded that its maritime and territorial claims are subject to established international legal procedures and dispute resolution mechanisms and not through unilateral statements or social media posts,” Philippine foreign ministry spokesman Rogelio Villanueva said at a briefing.
Villanueva said the Philippines has “indivisible, indisputable and long-standing sovereignty” over Scarborough Shoal and the islands Manila owns in the Spratly archipelago.
The remarks are the latest in a spat of words between Filipino officials and the Chinese embassy in Manila over disputes in the South China Sea. The Chinese embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Philippines and China claim Scarborough Beach, which is effectively under Beijing’s control through the permanent deployment of the coast guard. Sovereignty over the atoll has never been formally established.
STRATEGIC DRAW
Villanueva was responding to the embassy’s weekend social media post that said a former Philippine ambassador told a German radio station that Scarborough Shoal does not enter Manila territory.
Located 200 km (124 mi) from the Philippines and within its exclusive economic zone, the strategic coastline is located close to major shipping lanes and is coveted for its fish stocks and a turquoise lagoon that provides a safe haven for ships during storms.
“Sovereignty is not just claimed, it is exercised,” Villanueva said. he said.
The Philippines and China have been embroiled in a series of maritime conflicts in recent years, with the Philippines accusing Beijing of aggressive actions in its EEZ.
These include using water cannons against Philippine-held areas and interfering with supply missions, which Manila often calls “dangerous manoeuvres.” China insisted its coast guard acted professionally to defend its territory.
The Philippines won a landmark case at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 that found China’s claim to sovereignty in the South China Sea had no basis under international law; This decision was one that Beijing has consistently rejected.
(Reporting by Mikhail Flores; Editing by Martin Petty)
