11-11-2024 (BEIJING) China has escalated tensions in the South China Sea by formally publishing geographical coordinates for the contested Scarborough Shoal, directly challenging Philippine territorial claims to the maritime feature.
In an unprecedented move, Chinese authorities released precise coordinates for 16 base points surrounding what they term “Huangyan Island”, marking the first time Beijing has formally demarcated its claim to territory also claimed by Manila.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry asserted the nation’s historical sovereignty over the area, describing the announcement as a legitimate step in maritime management that aligns with international legal frameworks and established practices.
This strategic declaration follows recent Philippine legislation asserting its own claim to the disputed territory. According to state media outlet CCTV’s social platform Yuyuan Tantian, while these baselines were previously established, their public announcement serves as a calculated response to Manila’s actions.
Chinese officials maintained that the timing of this announcement reflects Beijing’s traditionally measured approach to maritime disputes with neighbouring nations. The statement emphasised that China had previously refrained from publishing these coordinates as part of its “rational, restrained and responsible” diplomatic strategy.
