MANILA – The Department of National Defense (DND) has rejected anew China’s call for the Philippines to abandon its position on Bajo de Masinloc, asserting the country’s sovereignty over the traditional fishing ground.

The DND issued the statement after Chinese Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Chen Xi accused the Philippines of carrying out “illegitimate acts” that allegedly violate China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea.

Chen criticized the Philippines’ recent submission of an updated nautical chart covering Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, to the United Nations (UN). China refers to the feature as Huangyan Dao.

The DND said Bajo de Masinloc is an “integral and longstanding part” of Philippine national territory.

It said the country’s maritime zones and entitlements in the area are established in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the final and binding 2016 Arbitral Award.

The defense department said the updated nautical chart submitted to the UN provides “necessary legal clarity and due publicity” to the international community regarding the geographical limits of Philippine maritime zones in the area.

“The Philippines will continue the lawful exercise of its sovereignty over BDM (Bajo de Masinloc). We will not be deterred by China’s false narratives and hooliganism, as evidenced by its continued aggressive activities and attempts to distort history and the rules-based international order,” the DND said.

“‘Di kami pasisiil (We will not be subjugated),” it added.

Bajo de Masinloc has remained a major flashpoint between the Philippines and China since a 2012 standoff involving vessels from both countries.

Filipino fishermen have continued to report harassment by Chinese vessels in the area, including incidents involving the use of water cannons and the cutting of anchor lines.

The 2016 arbitral ruling rejected China’s claim to historic rights over resources within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. Beijing has refused to recognize the ruling.

Teodoro highlights air power cooperation

Meanwhile, DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. underscored the importance of stronger defense cooperation and interoperability with regional partners during his visit to the Philippine Air Force contingent participating in Exercise Pitch Black 2026 in Australia.

Teodoro described the Filipino contingent’s performance in the multinational air combat exercise as “absolutely inspiring” and “eye-opening,” citing the precision, coordination and speed required during the missions.

He particularly commended a Filipino pilot who served as a Strike Package commander, leading around 20 aircraft from five nations in a large-force employment mission involving nearly 60 aircraft.

Teodoro said the exercise underscored the need for the Philippines and its partners to work “shoulder-to-shoulder,” with their defense cooperation anchored on international law and UNCLOS.

Hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force, Exercise Pitch Black 2026 brought together 21 nations for complex air combat training scenarios.