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Philippines Rebuffs China's Scarborough Shoal Sovereignty Claims

3/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Philippines rejects China's sovereignty claims over Scarborough Shoal, citing international law and its indivisible sovereignty.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Rogelio Villanueva says territorial claims must follow legal procedures, not unilateral declarations.
He counters a Chinese embassy claim that a former diplomat conceded the shoal's status.
The Philippines won a 2016 arbitration ruling against China's claims, which Beijing continues to reject.

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Story summary

The Philippines rejects China's sovereignty claims over Scarborough Shoal, citing international law and its indivisible sovereignty.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Rogelio Villanueva says territorial claims must follow legal procedures, not unilateral declarations.
He counters a Chinese embassy claim that a former diplomat conceded the shoal's status.
The Philippines won a 2016 arbitration ruling against China's claims, which Beijing continues to reject.