China’s Latest Land Grab? Social Media Now Claims Palawan Belongs to Beijing!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In recent weeks, Chinese social media platforms have been abuzz with claims that Palawan, a province of the Philippines, historically belongs to China. These assertions, propagated by Chinese netizens, suggest that Palawan was once known as "Zheng He Island," named after the famed 15th-century Chinese admiral who led naval expeditions across Asia and Africa. 

The Philippine government has swiftly and categorically dismissed these claims. Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, the Philippine Navy's spokesperson on the West Philippine Sea, labeled the assertions as "baseless" and "totally absurd." He emphasized that Palawan has always been an integral part of Philippine territory, and such unfounded narratives are attempts to distort historical facts. 

This incident is not isolated but is part of a broader pattern of disinformation and territorial assertions by Chinese nationalists. Similar tactics have been observed in other territorial disputes, where social media campaigns are used to sway public opinion and legitimize expansionist claims. The spread of such narratives on platforms like Douyin (China's version of TikTok) raises concerns about the role of state influence in shaping public discourse, especially given the stringent controls over information within China. 

The timing of these claims coincides with heightened tensions in the South China Sea region. On March 5, 2025, a Philippine civilian boat delivering supplies to the BRP Sierra Madre—a Philippine Navy ship grounded on the contested Second Thomas Shoal—was monitored by the Chinese coast guard. While the resupply mission proceeded without incident, it underscores the fragile status quo and the potential for escalation in these disputed waters. 

In response to China's increasing assertiveness, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. issued a stern warning. He stated that any attempt by China to impose an air defense identification zone or restrict flights over the South China Sea would be met with resistance from the Philippines and its allies. Teodoro emphasized that such actions threaten both national and global security, given the strategic importance of these maritime routes. 

The international community has also taken note of these developments. The 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration invalidated China's expansive claims in the South China Sea, a decision China continues to reject. The recent social media assertions about Palawan further complicate the already tense dynamics in the region, prompting calls for vigilance against disinformation campaigns that seek to alter historical and legal realities.

In conclusion, the unfounded claims circulating on Chinese social media regarding Palawan are part of a broader strategy to challenge established territorial boundaries. The Philippines remains steadfast in asserting its sovereignty, backed by international law and historical evidence. As the situation unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the critical need for accurate information and the dangers posed by state-sponsored disinformation in shaping geopolitical narratives.

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