The Philippines has formally rejected the Chinese Embassy’s recent claims over Pag-asa Island and the surrounding Pag-asa Cays, reaffirming its sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) in the West Philippine Sea.
In a statement released by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Ma. Theresa Daza, the agency emphasized that the KIG is an integral part of Philippine territory over which the country has long exercised sovereignty and jurisdiction.
The DFA stressed that the Philippines has the clear and legitimate right to conduct routine maritime operations and scientific research in the waters within its jurisdiction.
It added that China has no authority to interfere in or oppose these lawful and regular Philippine activities.
According to the DFA, all Philippine actions in the area are consistent with international law, specifically the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the 2016 Arbitral Award, and the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.
The Philippines also urged China to respect its sovereignty and jurisdiction, particularly in the context of maritime cooperation and regional stability.
This response came after a spokesperson from the Chinese Embassy in Manila insisted on China’s “indisputable sovereignty” over the Spratly Islands and surrounding waters.
China also accused the Philippines of violating the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties, citing 27 allegedly unauthorized landings by 167 personnel on uninhabited features, as well as scientific research missions that it compared to “film productions” rather than legitimate research efforts.