NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
China Embassy, Jay Tarriela Clash Over Bajo De Masinloc
Photo credit: PCG
Deputy Spokesperson Guo Wei of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Philippines pushed back against allegations made by Jay Tarriela, saying claims that Filipino fishermen were harassed near Huangyan Dao and Xianbin Jiao are baseless.
Guo insisted that photos and videos circulating online do not show normal fishing activity but instead fishermen allegedly filming China Coast Guard vessels during routine law enforcement operations. He also accused Philippine official vessels of conducting dangerous maneuvers near the area, claiming one ship crossed just 50 meters ahead of a China Coast Guard vessel, putting navigational safety at risk.
On the Kadiwa ng Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda (KBBM) program, Guo questioned why fishermen were brought into what he described as rough and sensitive waters if the goal was simply to distribute aid. He said turning livelihoods into what he called political theater exposes fishermen to unnecessary danger.
China, he added, remains open to dialogue but will firmly safeguard what it considers its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.
Tarriela fires back
Tarriela did not let the remarks pass.
He clarified that Bajo de Masinloc, located about 124 nautical miles west of Luzon and far from mainland China, was classified under the 2016 arbitral ruling as a rock generating only a 12-nautical-mile territorial sea — not an exclusive economic zone. He stressed that the surrounding waters fall within the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile EEZ, giving the country sovereign rights over its resources.
He also reiterated that the tribunal rejected China’s nine-dash line claim as incompatible with UNCLOS. According to Tarriela, the presence of Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels in the area constitutes harassment of Filipino fishermen who have lawful rights to fish there.
He further pointed out what he described as inconsistencies in China’s narrative, citing reports that Chinese vessels drove away Philippine boats allegedly intruding into what Beijing calls its territorial waters.
China doubles down
Guo responded again, firmly rejecting Tarriela’s arguments.
He said territorial sovereignty is not determined by proximity but by continuous and effective administration, insisting that Huangyan Dao is China’s inherent territory. He maintained that China’s Zhongsha Islands, including Huangyan Dao, are entitled to an EEZ and continental shelf under international law.
On the 2016 arbitral ruling, China’s position remains unchanged: Beijing does not recognize nor accept it, calling the proceedings unlawful and void because they were initiated without China’s consent. Guo also emphasized that UNCLOS does not settle questions of territorial sovereignty and asked whether the ruling explicitly stated that Huangyan Dao belongs to the Philippines.
He ended by warning that maritime provocations and media grandstanding will not resolve the dispute, and that China will take firm measures to protect its claims.
For now, the standoff continues — both at sea and in statements — with neither side backing down.
Guo insisted that photos and videos circulating online do not show normal fishing activity but instead fishermen allegedly filming China Coast Guard vessels during routine law enforcement operations. He also accused Philippine official vessels of conducting dangerous maneuvers near the area, claiming one ship crossed just 50 meters ahead of a China Coast Guard vessel, putting navigational safety at risk.
On the Kadiwa ng Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda (KBBM) program, Guo questioned why fishermen were brought into what he described as rough and sensitive waters if the goal was simply to distribute aid. He said turning livelihoods into what he called political theater exposes fishermen to unnecessary danger.
China, he added, remains open to dialogue but will firmly safeguard what it considers its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.
Tarriela fires back
Tarriela did not let the remarks pass.
He clarified that Bajo de Masinloc, located about 124 nautical miles west of Luzon and far from mainland China, was classified under the 2016 arbitral ruling as a rock generating only a 12-nautical-mile territorial sea — not an exclusive economic zone. He stressed that the surrounding waters fall within the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile EEZ, giving the country sovereign rights over its resources.
He also reiterated that the tribunal rejected China’s nine-dash line claim as incompatible with UNCLOS. According to Tarriela, the presence of Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels in the area constitutes harassment of Filipino fishermen who have lawful rights to fish there.
He further pointed out what he described as inconsistencies in China’s narrative, citing reports that Chinese vessels drove away Philippine boats allegedly intruding into what Beijing calls its territorial waters.
China doubles down
Guo responded again, firmly rejecting Tarriela’s arguments.
He said territorial sovereignty is not determined by proximity but by continuous and effective administration, insisting that Huangyan Dao is China’s inherent territory. He maintained that China’s Zhongsha Islands, including Huangyan Dao, are entitled to an EEZ and continental shelf under international law.
On the 2016 arbitral ruling, China’s position remains unchanged: Beijing does not recognize nor accept it, calling the proceedings unlawful and void because they were initiated without China’s consent. Guo also emphasized that UNCLOS does not settle questions of territorial sovereignty and asked whether the ruling explicitly stated that Huangyan Dao belongs to the Philippines.
He ended by warning that maritime provocations and media grandstanding will not resolve the dispute, and that China will take firm measures to protect its claims.
For now, the standoff continues — both at sea and in statements — with neither side backing down.
Mar 2, 2026
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