Philippines Rejects China’s ‘Farce’ Claim, Defends Maritime Operations in Disputed Waters

The Philippine government has rejected China’s criticism of its maritime activities near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), insisting that its operations are lawful and conducted within its sovereign rights under international law.

In a statement, the Department of National Defense (DND) pushed back against remarks from the People’s Republic of China (PRC), which described Philippine actions in the contested area of the South China Sea as “a self-directed farce.”

Defense spokesperson Arsenio R. Andolong said the Philippines’ activities in the area are “lawful, routine, and conducted in the exercise of the country’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction under international law.”

Bajo de Masinloc, also known internationally as Scarborough Shoal, is a strategic fishing ground in the South China Sea claimed by both the Philippines and China. The waters form part of a broader region that carries significant geopolitical importance due to overlapping territorial claims and major global shipping routes.

The DND accused China of inconsistency, saying calls for peaceful engagement contrast with the reported presence of Chinese naval forces in the area.

“The real farce is the call for peaceful engagement while the fully armed and heavily funded People’s Liberation Army Navy continues to harass Filipino fisherfolk who are simply trying to earn a living in their traditional fishing grounds,” Andolong said.

The Philippine government also defended its policy of publicly documenting encounters in the West Philippine Sea Manila’s term for portions of the South China Sea within its exclusive economic zone saying transparency is key to informing both domestic and international audiences.

“It is not surprising that the PRC government is criticizing the Philippines’ transparency strategy. Transparency is often resisted by those who distort the truth and manipulate narratives to justify unlawful actions and baseless claims,” the statement added.

Manila further accused Beijing of engaging in “illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive” activities, saying these actions have been widely documented and shared with the international community.

China, for its part, has repeatedly asserted its sovereignty over much of the South China Sea, claims that were invalidated by a 2016 international arbitration ruling. Beijing, however, does not recognize that decision.

Tensions between the two countries have persisted in recent years, with frequent maritime incidents raising concerns among regional neighbors and global stakeholders about stability in one of the world’s most critical waterways.

The Philippine government reiterated its commitment to uphold international law while safeguarding the rights and livelihoods of its citizens operating in the disputed waters.