Senate Leader Refutes China’s Claim on Spratly Islands
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada firmly rejected China’s claim of sovereignty over the Spratly Islands, declaring it baseless and without any legal foundation. The senator emphasized that “Sandy Cay, also known as Pag-asa Cay 2, and the nearby Pag-asa Island are part of the Kalayaan Group of Islands (KIG) and have never been within China’s territory, not even in their wildest dreams.”
Estrada further condemned the aggressive behavior of the China Coast Guard, which he said has endangered the safety of Filipino maritime personnel and scientists conducting research in the area. He described these actions as reckless and harmful to regional peace and stability.
Repeated Violations Against Philippine Sovereignty
What stands out, according to Estrada, is China’s consistent disrespect for Philippine sovereignty, including violations of maritime boundaries and persistent intimidation. He pointed out that China’s actions disregard the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which governs maritime rights.
Moreover, China’s ongoing assertions over the area breach the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties (DOC) in the South China Sea. Estrada also cited noncompliance with the 2016 Arbitral Award, which upheld the Philippines’ sovereignty claims over disputed territories. “I firmly stand with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in declaring that China has absolutely no right to object to or interfere with our lawful maritime operations and scientific research in Sandy Cay and its surrounding areas,” the senator asserted.
Firm Commitment to Philippine Maritime Activities
Estrada stressed that the Philippines will not be deterred from conducting its activities in these disputed regions. “We will not be swayed in our commitment to our activities in these regions,” he said, reinforcing the country’s resolve to safeguard its maritime interests.
Earlier this week, the Chinese Embassy in Manila accused the Philippines of intruding into what it called Chinese territorial waters, claiming the Philippine government conducted “27 unauthorized landings” on uninhabited features in the South China Sea. The embassy accused the Philippines of provoking the situation and engaging in deception by allowing scientific research missions, which included media personnel.
Philippine Government Stands its Ground
In response, the Department of Foreign Affairs clarified that the Philippines’ actions are a legitimate exercise of its sovereignty and consistent with international law. DFA spokesperson Teresita C. Daza stated, “The Philippines is clearly within its rights to conduct routine maritime operations and scientific research in and around these features and will continue to do so.”
She added, “China has no right to object much less interfere with these lawful and routine activities,” emphasizing the country’s commitment to uphold its maritime rights without yielding to external pressure.
The ongoing dispute highlights the tensions in the South China Sea, where overlapping claims have long challenged regional security. However, Philippine officials remain steadfast in protecting their territory and maritime assets through lawful means.
For more news and updates on South China Sea disputes, visit Filipinokami.com.