China has strongly protested the Philippines' decision to assign local names to more than 100 maritime features in the Kalayaan Island Group, calling it illegal. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing firmly opposes the move and will take necessary steps to defend its claims. The reaction follows an executive order signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
China expressed sharp disapproval of the Philippines' decision to assign local names to more than 100 reefs, islands, cays and shoals in the Kalayaan Island Group. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that Beijing "firmly opposes" any action undermining China's sovereignty, rights and interests in the South China Sea. She accused the Philippines of illegally delineating the group and naming features China claims as part of its "Nansha Qundao."
"China will do what is necessary to firmly defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea," Mao Ning said at a press conference on Thursday, April 1.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed an executive order directing the adoption of Philippine names to standardize geographic references, strengthen governance and reinforce sovereign rights. Based on a National Maritime Council recommendation, it requires government agencies to use these names in official maps, documents and communications.
The Kalayaan Island Group forms part of the resource-rich Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. Chinese state media, including China Daily and Global Times, echoed the opposition, urging the Philippines to refrain from such actions. The move comes after both nations expressed willingness to reopen talks on joint oil exploration, following the Philippines' 2016 arbitration win against China's claims under the UNCLOS tribunal.