Philippines rejects Beijing's claim to sovereignty over entire South China Sea

AI Summary

The Philippines has formally rejected China's assertion of sovereignty over the entire South China Sea, disputing a Chinese embassy claim that a Filipino diplomat once conceded that the Scarborough Shoal was not Philippine territory. Manila's rejection underscores ongoing tensions over the disputed maritime region. The statement marks a strong diplomatic rebuttal against Beijing's expansive territorial claims.

MANILA, March 16 - The Philippines said on Monday it rejected Beijing's assertion of sovereignty over the entire South China Sea, disputing a claim by China's embassy that a Filipino diplomat had once conceded the disputed Scarborough Shoal was not part of Philippine territory.