rki.news | Sources Xinhua
BEIJING: China has rejected the Philippines’ latest move to define maritime boundaries that include Huangyan Dao, saying the action violates China’s sovereignty and international law, according to a Xinhua commentary.
The commentary said China considers the Philippine move illegal and unacceptable, accusing Manila of using the South China Sea arbitration issue to support its maritime claims.
China has repeatedly stated that it does not recognize the 2016 arbitration ruling and opposes any actions based on it. Beijing said the Philippines’ recent maritime measures have increased tensions in the South China Sea and affected regional stability.
The commentary recalled previous disputes between the two countries over several features in the South China Sea, including Huangyan Dao and Ren’ai Jiao, and said China maintains sovereignty over the areas based on historical evidence and legal grounds.
China also said it has strengthened management and security measures around Huangyan Dao to protect its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.
The South China Sea remains a disputed region involving overlapping claims among several countries, with calls from the international community for dialogue and peaceful resolution.