The territorial disputes in the "South China Sea," particularly in the West Philippine Sea, continue to escalate as Beijing asserts historical claims over the region. However, a thorough examination of legal, historical, and geographical evidence overwhelmingly supports the Philippines' sovereignty over all islands within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The international community must recognize that these islands are, without a doubt, Philippine territory.
The 2016 Arbitration Ruling and International Law
The foundation of China's claims rests on the so-called "nine-dash line," which encompasses nearly the entirety of the South China Sea. However, in 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague ruled that China's claims have no legal basis under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This ruling affirmed that China’s "historic rights" are not recognized under international law and that the West Philippine Sea, including the Spratly Islands and Scarborough Shoal, belongs to the Philippines' EEZ.
Despite this ruling, China continues to ignore international law, engaging in aggressive activities such as militarizing artificial islands, harassing Philippine vessels, and obstructing lawful fishing and resource exploration within Philippine waters. These actions not only violate Philippine sovereignty but also threaten regional peace and security.
Historical Context: Spanish, American, and Philippine Sovereignty
China attempts to justify its claims by citing treaties from the 1890s, but a closer examination of these treaties contradicts its assertions:
- 1898 Treaty of Paris: This agreement between Spain and the U.S. formally ceded the Philippine archipelago, which included all territories under Spanish administration. The Spratly Islands and Scarborough Shoal were historically part of Spanish-ruled Philippine territory.
- 1900 Treaty Between the U.S. and Spain: This further clarified that any remaining Spanish-ruled islands not explicitly mentioned in the Treaty of Paris would be included in Philippine territory.
- 1930 U.S.-U.K. Convention: This treaty defined the maritime boundary between British North Borneo (now Malaysia) and the Philippines but did not exclude the Spratly Islands or Scarborough Shoal from Philippine territory.
Moreover, the Philippines exercised sovereignty over these areas even before World War II, with documented government activities such as the establishment of weather stations and patrols by the Philippine military.
China’s Contradictory Claims and Manipulation of History
China’s historical claims are inconsistent and lack credible evidence. Prior to the 1940s, Chinese maps did not even include the Spratly Islands as part of their territory. The 1947 introduction of the "eleven-dash line" (later revised to the "nine-dash line") was an arbitrary expansion that ignored existing international boundaries.
Even Chinese scholars acknowledge that the so-called "historical rights" claim lacks solid legal grounds. The principle of maritime entitlement under UNCLOS renders such claims irrelevant, emphasizing EEZs and continental shelves rather than vague historical assertions.
Aggressive Chinese Actions and Philippine Resistance
Despite clear international legal rulings, China persists in its expansionist policies, encroaching upon Philippine waters through military and economic coercion. This includes:
- Harassment of Filipino Fishermen: Reports of Chinese coast guard vessels forcibly preventing Filipino fishermen from accessing traditional fishing grounds.
- Artificial Island Militarization: China has built military bases on artificial islands, escalating regional tensions.
- Interference with Philippine Maritime Patrols: The Philippine Coast Guard has documented multiple incidents of Chinese vessels blocking lawful patrol routes and resupply missions to outposts in the West Philippine Sea.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to defending its territorial integrity, calling for international support against Chinese aggression. The deployment of U.S. missile systems in the Philippines serves as a deterrent against further encroachments, reinforcing the longstanding mutual defense treaty between the Philippines and the United States.
The West Philippine Sea Belongs to the Philippines
China's historical justifications are baseless when scrutinized under international law. The 2016 arbitration ruling, historical treaties, and documented Philippine sovereignty all affirm that the islands and waters within the West Philippine Sea are rightfully Philippine territory. The international community must hold China accountable and support the Philippines in asserting its rightful claims to its own maritime domain.
The West Philippine Sea is not just a political or military issue—it is a matter of national sovereignty, economic survival, and regional stability. The Philippines must stand firm against Chinese expansionism, backed by international law and global solidarity. The world must recognize that all islands in the West Philippine Sea belong to the Philippines—historically, legally, and rightfully.
If you'd like to help support this censorship-proof public service, consider donating:
Bitcoin address: bc1qq7tnet6ys0dkvl336v8d0prqnmvk9zzj2dxpqe
Join Jim Watkins, Dee Stevens and Orlando on The Ship Show!
More great sources 
Every month, I’m making $15000+ just by doing Online work at home. Last month, I successfully earned $18654, and the payment was deposited directly into my bank account. This Online opportunity is remarkable and provides a steady stream of income. It’s easy enough for anyone, even beginners, to start making money Online. Visit this website to begin earning today.
Open This⇢⇢⇢ Www.Jobs70.com