MANILA — The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) on Wednesday confirmed the launch of China’s Long March 7A rocket and warned the public about potential debris within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The rocket was launched from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan, China, at around 6:40 a.m. Philippine Standard Time on December 31, 2025. Expected debris from the launch was projected to have fallen within designated drop zones approximately 45 nautical miles from Burgos, Ilocos Norte; 67 nautical miles from Dalupiri Island, Cagayan; 64 nautical miles from Santa Ana, Cagayan; and 76 nautical miles from Camiguin Norte.

PhilSA said the drop zones were disclosed through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) describing “aerospace flight activity,” and a pre-launch report had been circulated to relevant government agencies.

The agency explained that unburned debris, such as the rocket’s booster and fairing, is intentionally discarded as the rocket enters outer space. While the debris is not expected to fall on land or populated areas, it poses potential risks to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels passing through the drop zones. There is also a possibility that debris may float in the area and wash toward nearby coasts.

PhilSA noted that an uncontrolled re-entry of the rocket’s upper stages from space cannot be entirely ruled out.

The agency advised the public to immediately inform local authorities if suspected debris is sighted and cautioned against retrieving or approaching the materials, which may contain toxic substances such as rocket fuel.