China protests Philippines' baseline claim on Huangyan Island

The Philippines announced a maritime “baseline” around Huangyan Island (Scarborough Shoal), a feature China says is its inherent territory. In response, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement declaring the move a serious violation of Chinese sovereignty and of the United Nations Charter and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, calling it illegal and invalid. Chinese state media later published an article quoting Mao Zedong, describing the Philippines as “a few flies on a tiny globe” and warning that any actions threatening China’s sovereignty would be met with a firm response. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Southern Theater Command also conducted joint sea‑air drills in the waters surrounding the island, citing the need to safeguard regional peace and stability. The episode adds to ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, where both sides accuse each other of provocative actions and breach of prior agreements.