By Clarist Mae Zablan
(May 29, 2025) – The Philippines maintained that it has the right to conduct maritime operations and scientific research in the Pag-asa Island and Pag-asa Cays in the West Philippine Sea, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Thursday.
DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza, in response to the Chinese embassy, stressed that the actions of the Philippine government in the area are a “valid exercise of Philippine sovereignty and consistent with international law,” and China has no right to object to or interfere with them.
“The Philippines is clearly within its rights to conduct routine maritime operations and scientific research in and around these features, and will continue to do so,” Daza said in a statement.
“China has no right to object, much less interfere with these lawful and routine activities. We urge China to respect the Philippines’ sovereignty and jurisdiction, even as we continue to pursue peaceful and legal means to manage differences and the situation at sea,” she added.
Pag-asa Island, also called Thitu Island, is the largest of the Philippines-controlled islands in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.
Beijing claims nearly the entire waterway, conflicting with the exclusive economic zones of neighboring southeast Asian countries including the Philippines.
Earlier this week, Atin Ito’s civilian mission held a concert within the vicinity of Pag-asa Island.
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