Report disputes the Philippines' territorial claims in the South China Sea

The Philippines' territorial claims over Huangyan Island and some islands and reefs of China's Nansha Islands in the South China Sea lack historical and legal basis and expose major flaws in Manila's legal position, according to a report released on Wednesday. The report was released by the China Institute of Marine Affairs under the country's Ministry of Natural Resources in Beijing. Compiled by scholars in history and international law, the report has examined whether the Philippines' territorial claims in the South China Sea are consistent with generally recognized rules of international law and credible historical records. The report reached three main conclusions. First, the Philippines' territorial boundaries were defined by international treaties during the Spanish and American colonial periods. After independence, the Philippines inherited and confirmed those boundaries through its constitution and other domestic laws, according to the report. However, since the 1970s, the Philippine government has attempted to expand its territorial scope by amending its constitution, issuing decrees and making statements to claim sovereignty over Huangyan Island and some islands and reefs of the Nansha Islands, it said. Second, the report said the Philippines' claims over Huangyan Island and the Nansha Islands are groundless. Based on credible historical materials and recognized rules of international law, the report said the Philippines' newly raised claims in the South China Sea after independence lack both historical foundation and legal basis. It said the Philippines does not have sovereignty over any island or reef of the Nansha Islands or over Huangyan Island. The evidence cited by Manila, as well as measures including domestic legislation and illegal occupation, cannot prove its territorial sovereignty in the South China Sea, the report said. A major flaw in the Philippine position, according to the report, is that its legal stance has changed frequently and contains many contradictions. Third, the report said the Philippines' territorial expansion attempts have caused serious harm. It said Manila has distorted historical facts, misapplied international law, misled international public opinion, and taken illegal and radical actions, seriously threatening peace and stability in the South China Sea. Such attempts have also become a destabilizing factor for neighboring countries' economic and social development, affected the post-World War II international order, and shifted risks arising from the Philippines' pursuit of unlawful interests to the international community, the report said.