China warns of 'resolute' response over Philippine baselines around Bajo de Masinloc
China has issued a stern warning to the Philippines, threatening a 'resolute' response over territorial disputes near Scarborough Shoal. Beijing rejected Manila's recent delimitation of sea baselines, labeling the move a violation of Chinese sovereignty.
Why it matters
This escalation highlights the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea, which remain a flashpoint for regional stability and international maritime law.
China has warned that it would "respond resolutely" if the Philippines continues what Beijing described as acts of infringement or provocation around Bajo de Masinloc, as it rejected Manila's delimitation of territorial sea baselines around the disputed shoal.
In a statement posted on the Chinese Embassy in Manila’s Facebook page, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the Philippines to respect what Beijing claims as its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests over Huangyan Dao, its name for Bajo de Masinloc, also known internationally as Scarborough Shoal.
"China urges the Philippines to earnestly respect China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and refrain from any act of infringement or provocation in Huangyan Dao," the ministry said.
Beijing accused Manila of repeatedly engaging in what it called provocations around the shoal and of using maritime disputes between the two countries to heighten tensions in the South China Sea.
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