Philippines Rejects China's Sovereignty Claims Over Scarborough Shoal

On March 16, 2026, the Philippines firmly rejected China's assertion of sovereignty over the entire South China Sea, particularly disputing claims regarding Scarborough Shoal, known locally as Bajo de Masinloc. This response came after the Chinese embassy in Manila circulated a 1990 diplomatic letter that allegedly suggested a former Philippine ambassador had conceded that Scarborough Shoal was outside Philippine territory. Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Rogelio Villanueva emphasized that "sovereignty is not merely claimed; it is exercised," reinforcing the Philippines' "indivisible, incontrovertible and longstanding sovereignty" over the shoal and the Spratly Islands.

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Scarborough Shoal, located approximately 200 kilometers off the Philippines and within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), has been a focal point of contention between the two nations since China took control in 2012 following a standoff. The shoal is strategically significant due to its proximity to major shipping lanes and its rich fishing grounds. The Philippines previously won a landmark ruling from the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016, which invalidated China's expansive claims in the South China Sea, a decision that Beijing continues to reject.

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Villanueva criticized the Chinese embassy's claims as "erroneous and misleading," asserting that the Philippines has consistently exercised sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal through various means, including hydrographic surveys and government actions. He stated, "China must be reminded that maritime and territorial claims are subject to established international legal procedures and dispute settlement mechanisms, not through unilateral proclamations or social media posts." The DFA also dismissed the authenticity of the 1990 letter, labeling it "without value" and emphasizing that discussions regarding territorial claims should be grounded in recognized legal processes.

Phl slams China’s ‘erroneous, misleading’ jurisdictional claims in entire SCSThe Straits TimesUsNews and World ReportThe Straits TimesRapplerPhilippine Daily Inquirer

Critics of China's claims, including geopolitical analysts, argue that the Chinese embassy's use of historical documents aims to create confusion regarding the Philippines' legal position. Dindo Manhit from the Stratbase Institute noted that such narratives could weaken public resolve by misleading those unfamiliar with the legal complexities of the dispute. Villanueva reiterated that the Philippines remains open to diplomatic engagement with China but stressed that such dialogue would not compromise its territorial claims.

The Straits Times

While the Philippines maintains its sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal, China continues to assert its claims, with officials stating that the arbitral ruling is "illegal, null and void." The Chinese embassy has accused the Philippines of violating international law by initiating arbitration without its consent. This ongoing disagreement highlights the complexities of international maritime law and the challenges of resolving territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Phl slams China’s ‘erroneous, misleading’ jurisdictional claims in entire SCSUsNews and World ReportThe Straits TimesThe Straits TimesRapplerPhilippine Daily Inquirer

• “Sovereignty is not merely claimed — it is exercised. The Philippines has done precisely that, consistently and without interruption,” — Rogelio Villanueva, DFA Spokesperson

Rappler

• “There is no merit in debating supposed documentary artifacts produced by third parties and presented as posts on social media, especially if these third parties have vested interests and willfully misconstrue and misrepresent established facts.” — Rogelio Villanueva, DFA Spokesperson

Philippine Daily Inquirer

• “China must be reminded that maritime and territorial claims are subject to established international legal procedures and dispute settlement mechanisms, not to unilateral proclamations or social media posts,” — Rogelio Villanueva, DFA Spokesperson

The Straits Times

The situation remains tense as both nations navigate their conflicting claims over Scarborough Shoal, with the Philippines asserting its rights while China continues to bolster its presence in the region.

The Straits Times