International Desk: China’s Ministry of Natural Resources on Tuesday released a report titled “A Historical and Legal Critique of the Philippines’ Territorial Claims in the South China Sea,” arguing that Manila’s claims are inconsistent with international law and historical evidence.

Prepared by the ministry’s Institute of Marine Development and Law, the report examines whether the Philippines’ territorial claims in the South China Sea are consistent with established principles of international law and supported by credible historical records.

According to the report, the Philippines’ land boundaries were gradually established during the Spanish and American colonial periods and were formally defined through three international treaties, forming what it describes as the country’s internationally recognized treaty boundaries.

The report argues that since the 1970s, the Philippines has sought to extend its territorial claims through presidential decrees, constitutional amendments, legislation, and official declarations, asserting sovereignty over China`s Huangyan Island (also known as Scarborough Shoal) and parts of the Nansha Islands (Spratly Islands). It says Manila has repeatedly justified these claims by citing the geographical proximity of the disputed features to the Philippines.

Zhang Haiwen, a researcher at the Institute of Marine Development and Law, said proximity alone cannot serve as a legal basis for territorial sovereignty.

“If geographical proximity were accepted as the determining principle, the international order would be thrown into chaos and borders around the world would have to be redrawn,” Zhang said. He cited examples of British islands located close to France and French territories near Canada, arguing that such cases demonstrate why proximity is not recognized as a legal standard for sovereignty under international law.

The report concludes that the Philippines is attempting to expand its territorial boundaries beyond those established under internationally recognized treaties by claiming Huangyan Island and parts of the Spratly Islands. It argues that these claims lack both historical and legal foundation and are inconsistent with international law governing territorial acquisition.

Zhang further warned that such actions could undermine the international legal order and threaten peace and stability in the South China Sea.

He also argued that attempts to alter territorial arrangements through unlawful means run counter to the post-World War II international legal framework, which rejects the acquisition of territory by force or other illegal methods. According to Zhang, China will take necessary measures in response to what it considers unlawful actions by the Philippines.

Source: Swarna, Touhid, Lili, China Media Group (CMG).