Mon Nov 18 23:56:14 UTC 2024: **Philippines Condemns China’s Scarborough Shoal Baseline Claim**

MANILA, Philippines – November 14, 2024 – The Philippines has lodged a strong protest with China over Beijing’s newly declared baselines around the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) stated on Wednesday that these baselines infringe on Philippine sovereignty and violate international law.

China’s action follows its Sunday announcement of territorial waters around the shoal, which it claims as Huangyan Island. The Scarborough Shoal is a significant flashpoint in the ongoing territorial and fishing rights dispute between the two nations.

Responding to the Philippine protest, Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian defended the move as a necessary measure to strengthen maritime management and a reaction to the Philippines’ recently enacted Maritime Zones Act and Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act. These laws, signed into law last week by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., aim to solidify the country’s maritime claims. China previously summoned the Philippine ambassador to express its opposition to these new laws.

Ambassador Huang reiterated China’s objections to the Philippine legislation and warned of further action to protect its claimed territorial sovereignty and maritime rights. The Chinese embassy issued a statement urging the Philippines to cease unilateral actions that could escalate tensions in the South China Sea.

Tensions between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea have intensified this year, particularly concerning the Scarborough Shoal. The South China Sea, a vital waterway for global trade, is also claimed in part by Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, fueling persistent regional instability.

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