China's Ministry of National Defense reiterated its unwavering stance on territorial sovereignty in the South China Sea on March 18, 2026, following reports of Philippine Coast Guard activities near Huangyan Dao. Defense spokesperson Jiang Bin emphasized that China's law-enforcement actions in its jurisdictional waters are "fully justified" and conducted with restraint.
The remarks came after a Philippine reconnaissance aircraft carrying journalists allegedly received radio warnings from Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy ships during a patrol near the island. Jiang described Manila's approach of involving media in patrols as a "self-directed farce" aimed at creating a false narrative, rather than promoting transparency.
"Edited footage and fabricated lies cannot alter China's sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao, including Huangyan Dao," Jiang stated, adding that China will continue taking "legitimate and lawful countermeasures" against perceived provocations. The statement underscores Beijing's position amid ongoing maritime tensions in the strategically vital waterway.
Analysts note that Huangyan Dao remains a focal point in cross-regional discussions about freedom of navigation and resource exploration rights. China maintains historical claims to the area, while several Southeast Asian nations advocate for multilateral dispute resolution mechanisms.
