Accept overlapping claims in West Philippine Sea – ChinaReacting to Sen. Francis Pangilinans latest statement demanding that China respect the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Chinese embassy claimed China is not infringing on Philippine territory. MANILA, Philippines — Despite the 2016 Arbitral Award invalidating China’s vast maritime claims in the South China Sea, the Chinese embassy in Manila again urged the Philippines to accept the supposed reality that Manila and Beijing have overlapping maritime claims and should resolve the issue. Reacting to Sen. Francis Pangilinans latest statement demanding that China respect the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Chinese embassy claimed China is not infringing on Philippine territory. China also has the right to claim its EEZ based on Nansha Qundao and Zhongsha Qundao,” the Chinese embassy asserted. “Our two countries have overlapping maritime claims in the South China Sea.

Source: Philippine Star January 03, 2026 16:03 UTC