The Philippine government reaffirmed that it has never sought permission from China to conduct resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal, rejecting Beijing’s repeated demands for authorization.
National Security Council (NSC) spokesperson and Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya issued the statement in response to China’s persistent claims that the Philippines must seek approval from Beijing for any activity in the disputed waters.
Malaya emphasized that the Philippine position has always been clear and consistent—that resupply missions are carried out using Philippine vessels without requiring or requesting permission from any foreign power, including China.
He dismissed China’s statements as baseless rhetoric aimed at creating the impression that they control or monitor Philippine operations in the West Philippine Sea.
Malaya further rejected China’s narrative that Philippine resupply missions could not proceed without its consent, calling the claim far from the truth and completely detached from reality.
He underscored that seeking China’s approval would violate the Philippine Constitution, stressing that the country will continue to stand by the truth and actual developments in its maritime domain.