China warns Philippines vs renaming of South China Sea reefsMANILA, Philippines — China expressed sharp disapproval of the Philippines' decision to assign local names to more than 100 maritime features in the Kalayaan Island Group, claiming the move is illegal and warning it would take steps to defend its claims. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing "firmly opposes" any action it believes undermines China's sovereignty, rights and interests in the South China Sea. She also accused the Philippines of illegally delineating the Kalayaan Island Group and assigning names to features that China considers part of its claimed "Nansha Qundao." Expanding disputeThe Kalayaan Island Group is part of the Spratly Islands, a resource-rich and contested area in the South China Sea. Marcos' move came after the two countries said they were willing to reopen negotiations on joint oil exploration in the South China Sea.

Source: Philippine Star April 02, 2026 08:14 UTC