Philippines Rejects China’s Claim on Palawan Island, Asserting Sovereignty

March 3, 2025

The Armed Forces of the philippines (AFP) dismissed claims circulating on social media that Palawan province was historically part of China, labeling them as propaganda. This assertion comes amidst ongoing territorial disputes in the South china sea.

AFP Spokesperson Denounces Chinese Claims

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla addressed the issue directly: “It’s very well known that they really come out with a lot of propaganda materials,” Padilla stated in a television interview, dismissing the Chinese claim as unsurprising, regardless of its absurdity.

Social Media Sparks Controversy

The controversy originated from posts on Chinese social media platforms, including Weibo and Rednote, where users alleged that Palawan had been governed by China for 1,000 years and was formerly known as “Zheng He Island.” These posts also demanded that the Philippines “return” Palawan too China.

Historical Context and Philippine Sovereignty

The island province of Palawan, described as “pointing as if it were a dagger towards the northeastern corner of borneo” according to the local government, has a rich history. Spanish colonizers initially named the islands “Paragua” and established their governance on Cuyo Island before moving it to Puerto Princesa City, the current capital.The United States later renamed the province Palawan.

The Philippines’ claim to Palawan and surrounding waters is firmly rooted in international law.

International Law Backs the Philippines

“With us, we know that for a fact, international laws are behind the Philippines,” asserted Padilla. She further emphasized, “The arbitral ruling of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea has favored the Philippines, taking therein our exclusive economic zone. We stand by that, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines will continue to uphold this and guard our sovereignty and our sovereign rights as well.” This refers to the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which invalidated China’s expansive “nine-dash line” claim in the South China Sea [Citation: Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling, 2016].

The United States also recognizes this ruling as legitimate [Citation: US State Department on south china sea].

Combating Misinformation

Padilla urged the public to be critical of information encountered on social media to combat the spread of fake news. “Help us to put the right narrative out there with the international ruling favoring the Philippines so there is a very great online presence of the Filipinos and we can leverage on that to help each other out and spread the right narrative out there and for the whole world to know,” she implored.

Historical commission Debunks Claims

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has also refuted the dubious Chinese claims. The NHCP stated that there exists no evidence supporting a permanent Chinese settlement in Palawan, an island continuously inhabited for approximately 50,000 years based on archeological evidence.

The NHCP further emphasized that “no accounts of Chinese settlement were seen in available documents,as early as 1521,thru the accounts of Italian chronicler Antonio Pigafetta who was part of the first circumnavigation of the world.” The commission also highlighted Palawan’s cultural affinity with the rest of the Philippine archipelago.

The NHCP clarified that, “In years as then, historical maps from various European cartographers from the 1500s to the 1800s recognized the inclusion of Palawan Island in the Philippine archipelago as administered by the Sultanate of Sulu and the Spanish Captain-Generalcy of the Philippines. Later, the 1898 Treaty of Paris, amended by the 1900 Treaty of Washington, clearly defined the areas that would become our republic’s territory in the present day.”

Strategic Implications and Future Outlook

The Chinese claims on Palawan coincide with increased tensions in the South China Sea. Understanding the history and legal basis of the Philippines’ claim, along with the geostrategic importance of the island, is crucial for informed discussion and policy. The Philippines continues to assert its sovereign rights through diplomatic and legal channels, while also strengthening its defense capabilities to protect its territory [Citation: Philippine Department of foreign affairs statement].

The situation underscores the importance of verifying information from social media and relying on credible sources for news and history.

Staying Informed and Protecting Philippine Sovereignty

The AFP and the NHCP’s firm stance against these unfounded claims is a testament to the Philippines’ commitment to its sovereignty. By staying informed and critically evaluating the information we encounter, we can contribute to defending the truth and supporting the nation’s interests. Share this article to spread awareness and help combat misinformation surrounding the issue of Palawan’s sovereignty. Consider supporting organizations dedicated to promoting accurate historical narratives and defending Philippine territory!

Defending Palawan: An Interview on Philippine Sovereignty and Historical Claims

Today,we’re speaking with Dr. Elena Rodriguez, a historian specializing in Southeast Asian maritime history, regarding the recent claims circulating about Palawan’s sovereignty. Dr. Rodriguez, thank you for joining us.

Thank you for having me.

Dr. Rodriguez, could you explain the basis for these recent claims about palawan being historically linked to China?

These claims, which have surfaced primarily on social media platforms, allege that Palawan was once governed by China, even referred to as “Zheng He Island.” The issue here is the lack of credible historical evidence to support this assertion. These claims are largely unsubstantiated and appear to be part of a larger narrative pushing for territorial assertion in the South China Sea. They often lack any citation of peer-reviewed research.

So, how does historical documentation actually support the Philippines’ claim to Palawan?

The historical record strongly supports the Philippines’ sovereignty over Palawan. From early Spanish accounts in the 16th century to detailed maps produced by European cartographers from the 1500s to the 1800s, Palawan has consistently been recognized as part of the Philippine archipelago. These maps showed Palawan as being administered by the sultanate of Sulu and the Spanish Captain-Generalcy of the Philippines. Furthermore, treaties like the 1898 Treaty of Paris and the 1900 Treaty of Washington, clearly define the areas that would become part of the Philippines, prominently including Palawan.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines have both strongly refuted these claims. What’s the meaning of their stance?

The strong, unified response from the AFP and the NHCP is incredibly significant. It demonstrates the Philippines’ unwavering commitment to defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The NHCP’s detailed historical analysis and the AFP’s firm stance against misinformation are crucial in combating the spread of fake news and ensuring that the historical narrative remains accurate. It reinforces the resolve of the Filipino peopel to assert our sovereignty and safeguard our national interests. Their efforts also serve as a counter-narrative to the misinformation being spread on social media.

Beyond the historical arguments, how does international law factor into this situation, especially concerning the South China Sea disputes?

International law is crucial. The Philippines’ claim is strongly supported by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and, crucially, the 2016 arbitral ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration. This ruling invalidated China’s expansive “nine-dash line” claim, which overlaps with the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. This ruling, while not enforced universally, provides significant legal backing for the Philippines’ sovereign rights in the region, including around Palawan. The United states and many other nations also recognize the legitimacy of this ruling, further bolstering the Philippines’ legal position.

What role does social media play in this kind of territorial dispute, and what can the public do to combat misinformation?

Social media has become a key battleground for information warfare. The spread of false narratives, like the ones claiming Palawan belongs to China, can be rapid and widespread. The public has a responsibility to be critical consumers of information.This means verifying facts from credible sources, such as reputable news outlets, government statements, and academic research. Sharing accurate information and reporting misinformation can also help counter the spread of false narratives. It is indeed vital that Filipinos take an active role in shaping the narrative and advocating for the truth online.

What are your thoughts on the future outlook for Palawan and the broader South China Sea territorial disputes?

The future remains uncertain. While the Philippines has a strong legal and historical basis for its claims, ongoing tensions in the South China Sea show the risks of further disputes. Continued dialog, diplomatic efforts, and the strengthening of defense capabilities are necessary to protect Philippine territory and assert our sovereign rights. Understanding the history and legal basis of the Philippines’ claim,along with the geostrategic importance of the islands,is crucial for informed discussion and effective policy.Most importantly, let’s ask ourselves and share in the comments: What are some proactive ways the Philippines can better disseminate accurate pro-Palawan narratives, and what online platforms would reach the widest international audience?”

Dr. Rodriguez, thank you for providing your expert insights on this critical issue.

My pleasure.