MANILA — China has condemned a Philippine civilian-led landing on a disputed reef in the West Philippine Sea, escalating tensions as Filipino organizers defended the mission as a bold assertion of national sovereignty.
Beijing, through its embassy in Manila, said the landing of Filipino participants on a reef it refers to as Tiexian Jiao — also known locally as Pag-asa Cay 2 — breached China’s territorial sovereignty. Chinese officials maintain that the feature is part of what they call the Nansha Islands and described it as uninhabited.
The Chinese embassy warned that such actions run counter to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, adding that it would take measures to protect its claims.
The statement came after members of the Atin Ito coalition carried out a multi-day mission dubbed “Balik-Pag-asa,” which gathered volunteers, fisherfolk representatives, artists, and members of the media. The group set sail from April 30 to May 5 aboard a primary vessel and a support boat, with around 180 participants.
As part of the activity, Akbayan Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula rode a jetski to the disputed cay and raised the Philippine flag, symbolizing Manila’s claim over the area.
Mission organizers said the effort was intended to reinforce civilian presence in the contested waters and highlight national sovereignty. They also noted that the action echoed a long-standing political promise to assert Philippine claims in the area through similar symbolic acts.
Atin Ito leaders said the latest voyage builds on previous civilian initiatives in the West Philippine Sea, describing it as a continuation of efforts to expand public participation in asserting the country’s maritime rights.
“Let us pursue this to its logical conclusion; otherwise, the cycle of impunity will only repeat,” organizers said, emphasizing the importance of sustained civilian action in defending the country’s territorial claims./PN
