China Rejects Philippines' New Maritime Baselines Around Scarborough Shoal
The Chinese Foreign Ministry formally rejected the Philippines' establishment of territorial sea baselines around Scarborough Shoal (Huangyan Dao), calling the move illegal and void. Beijing accused Manila of violating Chinese sovereignty by depositing nautical charts with the United Nations. Tensions in the South China Sea remain high as both nations reinforce claims, despite ongoing efforts by ASEAN to negotiate a legally binding Code of Conduct to prevent further maritime clashes.