Phl sees lingering tensions amid China's 'baseless, excessive' SCS claims

The Philippines emphasized the enduring complexity of the territorial dispute in the South China Sea (SCS), warning that tensions in the region are unlikely to ease soon.

Speaking at a virtual forum on Tuesday, National Security Council chief Eduardo Año stressed that the shifting dynamics of potential flashpoints in the SCS, due to growing geopolitical and geoeconomic pressures, have intensified and remain a significant threat to regional stability.

"The Philippines recognizes that the challenges in the South China Sea are unlikely to diminish anytime soon. The situation becomes even more complex due to potential clash points in the area, which continue to evolve amid rising geopolitical and geoeconomic tensions, and shifting global security dynamics," he said.

He lamented that Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, has become a central issue between Manila and Beijing due to China's territorial claims "far beyond what is recognized under international law."

"Today's forum, which brings Bajo de Masinloc, internally known as Scarborough Shore, to the fore of our discussions, is thus a vital platform, especially in the face of rising tensions in the South China Sea, due to China's baseless, excessive, and expansive territorial claims, militarization, and confrontations with its neighbors. At this point of our history, this is a reality that we cannot disregard," Año said.

Año added that despite ongoing threats to the Philippines’ own national interests and maritime rights, the country has consistently chosen to pursue peace and uphold the rule of law rather than responding with aggression.

"These complexities are not easy to navigate, but as a nation committed to the fundamental tenet of sovereign equality of states and amity with all nations, the clarion call for peace and the rule of law is embedded to our core, and has remained over the years, even when our local interests and rights are being endangered and compromised," he stressed.

He likewise emphasized that the country's defense of its maritime rights, particularly in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), is grounded in both national interest and global responsibility.

"By putting forward our vision of greater peace, stability, and prosperity, not just in the region, but around the globe, we have created a clear and resonating message: Preserving our territorial integrity is foundational for the Philippines and is, of course, non-negotiable," said Año.

He then urged the international community to support the lawful and peaceful resolution of disputes.

"Which is why our call for respect for legitimate interests and legally settled rights of all parties reverberates ever so loudly across the region and beyond, as protecting the WPS impacts not just us, but also the whole world, since 60% of the world's commerce passes through the area," he said.

"Indeed, securing the WPS equates to the survival of our country and our people, attaining prosperity and creating a sustainable future, maintaining peace and harmony, promoting national solidarity, enhancing respect for our country and people, broadening our sphere of influence, and strengthening our position in the community of nations," he added.

In 2012, China and the Philippines faced a standoff over Scarborough Shoal. Since then, China has held control over the area, despite the Philippines continuing to assert its territorial rights.

Beijing has prohibited Filipino ships and fishing boats from entering the area, as well as repeatedly installed floating barriers in the area.

China has also refused to recognize the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling in The Hague, Netherlands, which invalidated its “expansive” claims over the SCS.

"China's continued presence in Scarborough Shoal since 2012, after a three-month standoff, is a clear contrast to what we advance in our collective pursuit of a stable, just, and rule-based maritime order," Año lamented.

The NSA also expressed concern about China's escalating aggression not only in Bajo de Masinloc but also in other features of the WPS.

"Even more concerning, our other rightful territories, not just BDM, have been subjected to adverse claims and illegal occupation or control. Disregarding the 2016 arbitral ruling, which effectively invalidated each maritime claims in the BDM, China went on conducting aggressive actions not just in Scarborough, but also in other areas," he said.

Año also mentioned that Chinese fishing vessels, China Coast Guard ships, and even People's Liberation Army Navy vessels have been swarming and established a constant and unlawful presence in the area, engaging in aggressive and illegal activities.

He then lamented China's escalating aggressive actions such as carrying out dangerous maneuvers near foreign vessels, using lasers and flares, deploying water cannons, undertaking extensive island-building and land reclamation on previously unoccupied features, driving away Filipino fisherfolk, and conducting unauthorized marine scientific research and hydrographic surveys, among other hostile acts.

"The list of illegal activities goes on, and indeed, this is a reality we cannot ignore," he said.

"All of this imprints upon the Philippines' legal rights and entitlements, endangers the lives and livelihood of our countrymen, and undermines the rule-based international order," he further stressed.

In response to China's actions, the Philippines developed its strategy for the West Philippine Sea around three core priorities, as part of its Security Policy 2023–2028.

"As this neighbour actively and continually wages illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive tactics against our nation, including those which are friendly to us, not just through its sweeping claims in the SCS, we anchored our strategies in the WPS on three national interests," he said.

"These are the preservation of territorial integrity, protection of economic interests, and the promotion of regional stability," he added.