DFA condemns Chinese rocket debris near Palawan

NEW DELHI, India – Department of Foreign Affairs, Secretary Tess Lazaro reminded countries engaged in space exploration to “conduct their space activities in a manner consistent with norms of responsible behavior and with due regard to the rights of interest of other states.” 

Lazaro emphasized that the Philippines and China have an agreement in which both countries must be in communication of any space-related activities.

“In accordance with the commitment made between President Marcos and President Xi in 2023, the Philippines continues to work with China on the appropriate communication mechanisms on rapid launches and resulting procedures on the management of post-launch impacts,” she said.

Earlier, Manila confirmed China’s Long March 12 rocket launch as debris reportedly fell near Palawan.

In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said that the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has confirmed the events.

“We also spoke with Deputy Director General Gay Jane Perez of the Philippine Space Agency and from her analysis and her perspective, the drop zone was quite close,” she said.

“The technical aspects of this will still be studied to see what effect it has had on the Philippines. But as of the moment, there is nothing to worry about,” she added.

Castro also said that concerned agencies are still looking into the incident.

“We will first check to see if anything has been violated, but as of the moment, it doesn't seem like there has been any violation of anything,”

According to PhilSA, the Philippine government was informed of the launch – dated 04 August – and directed relevant agencies to issue necessary warnings.

“Details of the rocket drop zone were disclosed through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) warning of an ‘aerospace flight activity’,” it said.

“PhilSA disseminated a pre-launch report to relevant government agencies and authorities prior to the launch,” it added.

PhilSA confirmed that rocket debris fell within the identified drop zones located approximately 21 nautical miles away from Puerto Princesa and 18 nautical miles away from Tubbataha Reef Natural Park.

“Unburned debris from rockets, such as the booster and fairing, are designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space. While not projected to fall on land features or inhabited areas, falling debris poses danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zone,” PhilSA further said.

There is also a possibility for the debris to float around the area and wash toward nearby coasts,” it added.

It also reminded the public not to touch debris that are seen and to notify their respective local government units in case of discovery.