China Says It Can Set Scarborough Shoal Baselines
On.cc · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
China’s Defense Ministry has defended recent PLA and coast guard operations around Huangyan Dao, saying they were lawful countermeasures after the Philippines deposited an “official map” of Scarborough Shoal and adjacent waters with the United Nations . Senior Colonel Chen Xi said Huangyan Dao is China’s inherent territory and that China alone has the right under international law to announce its territorial sea baselines, while describing the Philippine move as illegal and invalid .
Key Points
- After the Philippine submission to the UN, the PLA Southern Theater Command organized joint sea-air drills in Huangyan Dao’s territorial sea, airspace and nearby zones .
- The China Coast Guard also conducted rights-protection, law-enforcement and control exercises in nearby waters as part of Beijing’s response .
- Chen Xi said the drills were a stern warning against Philippine infringement and provocation, and a necessary step to defend sovereignty and maritime rights .
- He stated China has continuously, peacefully and effectively exercised sovereignty and jurisdiction over Huangyan Dao, making it the only state entitled to declare baselines there .
- Chen also accused the Philippines of repeatedly using domestic legislation since its 1946 independence to expand territorial and maritime claims under the banner of international law .
Why It Matters
The exchange signals continued friction in the South China Sea, with Beijing framing military and coast guard activity near Huangyan Dao as both a legal assertion and a deterrent message to Manila . China’s warning of firm countermeasures suggests further maritime encounters or diplomatic escalation could follow if either side hardens its position .