In a strong rebuke on Tuesday, the Philippines lodged a protest against China’s recent moves in the South China Sea, condemning Beijing’s establishment of baselines around the disputed Scarborough Shoal. The Philippines called this a clear violation of its sovereignty over the shoal, which lies well within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The latest developments were reported by Radio Free Asia, which cited Philippine officials denouncing China’s actions as an attempt to intensify its territorial claim over the shoal.

China recently announced the establishment of baselines for its territorial sea around Scarborough Shoal, aiming to bolster its presence in this contested region. Additionally, China has asserted territorial claims over 64 islands within territories belonging to other nations in the South China Sea, further straining regional tensions.

In a statement, the Philippine Presidential Office for Maritime Concerns said, "China’s establishment of baselines around the shoal is a continuation of its 2012 illegal seizure of Scarborough Shoal, which the Philippines firmly opposes." Since 2012, China has held de facto control over Scarborough Shoal, a triangular reef located about 125 nautical miles from the main Philippine Island of Luzon. The shoal remains a point of contention between the Philippines, China, and Taiwan, each claiming parts of the territory.

Responding to the protests, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson defended Beijing’s actions, saying, "This is a natural step by the Chinese government to lawfully strengthen marine management and is consistent with international law and common practices." He added that China’s new baselines around Huangyan Dao (China’s name for Scarborough Shoal) align with international law, according to reports by Radio Free Asia.

In 2016, a UN arbitration tribunal dismissed China’s broad claims in the South China Sea, including its claim over Scarborough Shoal. Despite the ruling, China has maintained control over the area and continues to assert its dominance across contested regions in the South China Sea.

Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), a baseline refers to a line drawn along a country’s coastline or around an island, from which maritime zones; such as territorial seas, exclusive economic zones, and extended continental shelves are measured. The Philippines argues that China’s recent actions disregard UNCLOS standards, further intensifying diplomatic tensions between the two nations over territorial rights in the South China Sea.