November 14, 2024
1 min read

Philippines slams China’s baseline claims on Scarborough Shoal 

China breathes fire as the world converges on the South China Sea(Photo:indianarrative)

Beijing asserted its claim over 64 islands that lie under another country’s territory….reports Asian Lite News

The Philippines government on Tuesday protested against Chinese escalations over the South China Sea, announcing baselines around the disputed Scarborough Shoal. 

Radio Free Asia reported that the Philippines accused China of such action and called it a violation of “the Philippines’ long-established sovereignty over the shoal.” 

According to Radio Free Asia, China declared baselines for its territorial sea around the shoal, aiming at strengthening its territorial claims over the disputed area, which lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). 

Beijing also asserted its claim over 64 islands that lie under another country’s territory. 

The Philippine Presidential Office for Maritime Concerns stated, “The establishment of the baselines by China around the shoal is a continuation of its 2012 illegal seizure of the shoal, which the Philippines continues to strongly oppose.” 

A foreign ministry spokesperson in Beijing said, “This is a natural step by the Chinese government to lawfully strengthen marine management and is consistent with international law and common practices.” He further added that the Chinese declaration of baselines adjacent to Huangyan Dao is “in accordance with international law,” as reported by Radio Free Asia. 

In 2016, a UN arbitration tribunal rejected China’s assertion over the reefs in the South China Sea, including the Scarborough Shoal. 

Scarborough Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc is a triangular-shaped line of reefs situated 125 nautical miles away from the main island of the Philippines, Luzon. Presently, this shoal is under Philippine, Chinese and Taiwanese territorial claims; however, since 2012, China has had de facto control over this territory. 

A baseline under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS, is a line that parallels the coastline of a country or an island from which distances for the territorial sea and other zones, including the exclusive economic zone and the extended continental shelf, are measured. (ANI) 

ALSO READ: India-Philippines celebrate 75 years of diplomatic ties 

Previous Story

IMF mulls quarterly check-ins amid Pakistan bailout slips

Next Story

Indian Army chief due in Nepal for a 5 day official visit 

Latest from -Top News

Bangladesh Rejects Dar’s 1971 Claim

During his two-day Dhaka visit, the first in 13 years, Dar made the claims after meeting interim Foreign Affairs Advisor Hossain…reports Asian Lite News Bangladesh has rejected Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and

London Puts Beijing on Hold

The proposed embassy, earmarked for the site of a historic two-century-old building near the Tower of London, has been bogged down in dispute for more than three years…reports Asian Lite News The

Fiji PM Rabuka Begins First India Visit

The visit comes just weeks after India and Fiji held the 6th round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Suva, Fiji, in July 2025….reports Asian Lite News Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Ligamamada

Modi all set for Japan, China visits

By travelling to both Tokyo and Tianjin within the span of a week, Modi is set to balance strategic partnerships with Japan and cautious engagement with China – two relationships that will
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Stage set for crucial SCO meet

The ministers will discuss matters related to regional peace and

Beijing deepens security ties with Africa to secure stronger foothold

In 2018, after President Xi Jinping announced several new measures