Philippines Rejects China's Sovereignty Claims Over South China Sea Areas

The Philippines has rejected China's claim of sovereignty over the entire South China Sea, affirming its longstanding sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal and Thitu Island. Philippine officials emphasized that maritime disputes should be resolved through international legal mechanisms, not unilateral claims. The Scarborough Shoal, located within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, remains under effective Chinese control, leading to ongoing tensions and maritime confrontations between the two countries. China has dismissed a 2016 international tribunal ruling invalidating its broad claims.