Recent developments center on the Philippines’ move to assign Filipino names to maritime features in the Kalayaan Island Group, drawing strong reactions from China and renewed assertions from Philippine officials.
Philippines adopts Filipino names for 131 features in Kalayaan Island Group
The Philippine government has moved to standardize Filipino names for 131 maritime features in the Kalayaan Island Group, covering reefs, shoals, and other formations in the West Philippine Sea. The measure aims to support governance, mapping, and the exercise of sovereignty over these areas.
Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer
https://www.inquirer.net/471790/list-filipino-names-of-131-features-in-kalayaan-island-group-in-wps/
China warns Philippines against renaming maritime features
China expressed strong opposition to the renaming initiative, warning the Philippines against what it described as actions undermining its claimed sovereignty. Beijing said it could take “necessary measures” in response and accused Manila of violating international law.
Source: Philstar
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/04/02/2518577/china-warns-philippines-vs-renaming-south-china-sea-reefs
Philippine Coast Guard rejects China’s interpretation of Spanish-era map
The Philippine Coast Guard pushed back against statements from the Chinese Embassy regarding a Spanish-era map, saying Beijing’s interpretation distorts historical records. Philippine officials maintained that historical cartography does not support China’s expansive claims in the West Philippine Sea.
Source: GMA Integrated News
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/982464/pcg-chinese-embassy-clash-over-spanish-era-map-with-west-ph-sea-features/story/
Lawmakers back use of local names in disputed waters
Members of the House of Representatives expressed support for adopting Filipino names for maritime features, describing it as part of asserting national identity and sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea. Lawmakers emphasized that the area remains within Philippine jurisdiction despite competing claims.