AN AERIAL photo of Philippine-occupied Thitu Island, locally known as Pag-asa, in the contested Spratly Islands. — REUTERS

THE PHILIPPINE Defense department rejected China’s latest protest against Manila’s activities on Thitu Island and Nanshan Island in the South China Sea, saying the projects are legitimate exercises of Philippine sovereignty and warning that Beijing’s actions undermine regional stability.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Department of National Defense (DND) junked claims by China’s Ministry of National Defense that the Philippines was violating Chinese sovereignty through construction and development activities on Thitu, which Manila calls Pag-asa, and Nanshan or Lawak Island.

The agency said both islands are part of the Kalayaan Island Group in the Spratly Islands and have long been administered by the Philippines under the municipality of Kalayaan in Palawan province.

China earlier criticized the Philippines’ continued upgrade of facilities on the two islands and reiterated its claim of indisputable sovereignty over most of the South China Sea through its so-called nine-dash line.

“The legitimate exercise of Philippine authority in these areas, including the conduct of improvement and development activities, is intended to support the welfare, safety and livelihood of Filipinos residing and working therein,” Defense spokesman Assistant Secretary Arsenio R. Andolong said.

The agency said China’s sweeping maritime claims have no legal basis under international law, citing the 2016 arbitral ruling under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea that voided Beijing’s claims within the nine-dash line.

“The award remains final and legally binding on the parties,” Mr. Andolong said.

The DND also noted that the arbitral tribunal found that China’s large-scale land reclamation and construction activities in disputed waters had caused severe damage to the marine environment.

It added that continued Chinese interference in Philippine activities, including around Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal, threatens regional stability and weakens the rule-based international order.

“The Department of National Defense remains steadfast in safeguarding Philippine territory, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea,” Mr. Andolong said. — Pexcel John Bacon

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