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National Maritime Council Rebukes Chinese Claims on Philippine Sovereign Rights at Ayungin Shoal

Article by F. Palafox

Published on July 30, 2026 8:00PM




MANILA, Philippines — The National Maritime Council (NMC) has issued a firm statement rejecting recent assertions by the Chinese Ambassador regarding the Philippines’ lawful operations in Ayungin Shoal and the provisional arrangement governing resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre. ¹ ² The council emphasized that such claims misrepresent the nature of the Philippines’ sovereign rights and the scope of the understanding aimed at facilitating safe Rotation and Resupply (RORE) missions. ²


Reaffirming Sovereign Rights Under International Law


The NMC clarified that the provisional understanding is a practical mechanism designed to ensure the safety of Philippine personnel and reduce the risk of maritime incidents, not a concession of authority to any foreign power. ¹ Ayungin Shoal, a low-tide elevation, lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf, where the country exercises sovereign rights and jurisdiction under international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 arbitral ruling. ³ ⁴ ⁵


There is no requirement under international law for the Philippines to seek permission before conducting lawful activities in its own EEZ, the council stressed. No agreement has altered or diminished the sovereign rights that the Philippines exercises over Ayungin Shoal, a position consistently upheld by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the NTF-WPS. ⁵ ⁶ ⁷


Condemning Coercive Actions and Calls for Peaceful Conduct


The NMC also condemned any attempt to invoke the provisional understanding or blame the Philippines’ lawful activities to justify coercive or violent actions against Philippine personnel. ⁷ The council highlighted that confidence-building measures exist to prevent incidents, not to rationalize actions that increase tensions or endanger lives. ²


In recent months, tensions have escalated near Ayungin Shoal, with reports of Chinese vessels using cyanide and committing violent acts against Philippine Navy personnel. ³ ⁷ ⁸ The NMC has directed the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard to intensify patrols to protect national interests and the welfare of Filipino fisherfolk. ² ³


Commitment to Peace and Rules-Based Order


The National Maritime Council called on China to refrain from statements and actions that undermine efforts to maintain peace and stability in the West Philippine Sea. ² The council reiterated that constructive dialogue must be anchored in mutual respect, good faith, and adherence to international law. ⁵


The Philippines remains committed to resolving differences peacefully while steadfastly protecting its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction, consistent with international law and the policy of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to pursue peace, stability, and a rules-based maritime order. ⁵ ⁷

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Notes:



² PNA. PH continues lawful operations in WPS, protection of Filipino fishers https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1267204


³ Tribune. Cyanide Found on Chinese Fishing Boats Near Ayungin Shoal ... https://tribune.net.ph/2026/04/13/nsc-cyanide-found-in-bottles-seized-from-chinese-boats-in-wps


⁴ Mike Gravel. Who belongs the West Philippine Sea? - Mike Gravel https://www.mikegravel.org/who-belongs-the-west-philippine-sea


⁵ Manila Bulletin. PH asserts 'incontrovertible' WPS rights amid sea dispute https://mb.com.ph/2025/10/07/ph-asserts-incontrovertible-wps-rights-amid-sea-dispute




⁸ PCO. PH concerned over China’s latest maneuver https://pco.gov.ph/news_releases/ph-concerned-over-chinas-latest-maneuver


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