Philippines Rejects China’s South China Sea Claims: No Basis in Fact, History, or International Law

The Philippines has firmly rejected China’s claims of sovereignty over Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) and the Kalayaan Island Group, asserting its own “indivisible, incontrovertible, and longstanding” rights to the area. The rejection came in response to a statement from the Chinese Embassy in Manila, which the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) deemed “erroneous and misleading.”

DFA Reaffirms Philippine Sovereignty

During a press briefing on Monday, March 16, 2026, DFA Spokesperson for Maritime Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva Jr. Emphasized that the Philippines has consistently exercised sovereignty over Bajo de Masinloc for centuries. “Sovereignty is not merely claimed — it is exercised. The Philippines has done precisely that, consistently and without interruption,” Villanueva stated according to DZRH News.

The DFA highlighted historical evidence, including the 1734 Murillo Velarde map, which depicts Bajo de Masinloc as Philippine territory, and subsequent cartographic records and government actions. These actions include hydrographic surveys, official correspondence, and even the demolition of illegal structures on the shoal, as well as its use as a designated target range by the Armed Forces of the Philippines as reported by DZRH.

Rejection of China’s Claims

The Philippines flatly rejects China’s assertion of “indisputable sovereignty” over the entire South China Sea, stating that this claim has “no basis in fact, no basis in history, and no basis in international law” as reported by the Manila Standard.

The DFA also dismissed a letter circulating on social media, purportedly from former Philippine Ambassador to Germany Bienvenido Tan, as being of uncertain origin and authenticity. The letter allegedly suggested that Bajo de Masinloc lies outside Philippine territorial sovereignty as defined by the 1899 Treaty of Paris, but within the Philippines’ 200-mile economic zone. The DFA stated it would not engage in speculation about documents of uncertain origin according to the Manila Standard.

China’s Actions and Previous Rejections

China has maintained control of access to Scarborough Shoal since 2012, following a standoff with Philippine government ships. In September 2025, the Philippines also rejected China’s declaration of Bajo de Masinloc as a “national nature reserve,” viewing it as an attempt to tighten Beijing’s control over the disputed feature and deflect responsibility for reef damage as reported by the Inquirer. The National Maritime Council stated the declaration was “another deceptive veneer” meant to justify China’s continued presence.

Looking Ahead

The Philippines continues to assert its sovereign rights and calls upon China to respect international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 arbitral award, which affirmed Filipino fisherfolk’s rights to the area. The DFA reiterated that maritime disputes must be resolved through established international legal mechanisms, not unilateral assertions as stated by DZRH News.