The National Security Council (NSC) affirmed that the Philippine government will consider the establishment of an artificial island in Bajo de Masinloc as a “red line.”
Speaking at a forum organized by the Stratbase ADR Institute, NSC Assistant Director-General Jonathan Malaya reiterated that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued a firm directive that no portion of Philippine territory shall be ceded.
Furthermore, the NSC expressed hope that despite the increasing number of Chinese vessels in the area, China would not build structures similar to those it constructed in other parts of the West Philippine Sea during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Data from the independent group SeaLight showed that the number of Chinese coast guard and maritime militia vessels increased from 57 between May 2023 and April 2024 to 78 in the following year.
"What keeps us awake at night, of course, is the prospect of China since they have presence in the area, turning the shoal into an artificial island or militarizing it," said Malaya.
He further warned that the President declared that any violation by China of the Declaration of Conduct at sea would be considered a “red line.”
Under the agreement between China and ASEAN, no further occupation of already-held maritime features should take place, in accordance with the 2016 Arbitral Ruling.
