THE Philippine government has formally rejected China’s declared “baselines and base points” around Bajo de Masinloc (BDM or Scarborough Shoal).
This is Beijing’s latest attempt to strengthen its “illegal seizure” of the feature, which is located within the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) filed a diplomatic protest on November 12.
In a statement, the National Maritime Council (NMC) said the baselines were “drawn in violation of the Philippines’ long-established sovereignty over the shoal throughout history” and did not meet the criteria outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“The establishment of the baselines by China around the shoal is a continuation of its 2012 illegal seizure of the shoal, which the Philippines continues to strongly oppose,” the NMC said.
The NMC stated that straight baselines can only be used in accordance with the “criteria and conditions” required by UNCLOS, as explained in the 2016 Arbitral Award.
“These conditions are not present in the case of BDM. Thus, the straight baselines established by China around the shoal are without any legal basis or effect,” the NMC said.
“The Philippines strongly objects to the use of these baselines by China and resolutely maintains its right to declare the correct baselines of BDM,” it added.
The NMC reiterated that it has “always had sovereignty and jurisdiction” over Scarborough Shoal, and its maritime zones are in accordance with international law and do not infringe on the sovereignty or jurisdiction of any other state.
According to reports, less than a week after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the Maritime Zones Act, the Chinese government announced its own “baselines and corresponding base points” around Scarborough Shoal on November 10.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry said its declaration “lawfully strengthens” its “marine management” in the area.
China has asserted its sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal, which it calls Huangyan Dao or Huangyan Island.
