Manila: The chairperson of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on Tuesday denounced Chinese social media posts claiming that Palawan province was once part of China, calling them an attack on Philippine sovereignty and "blatant propaganda." In a statement, Pangasinan 3rd District Rep. Rachel Arenas said such claims are patently false, historically inaccurate, and a glaring disregard of international law.

According to Philippines News Agency, posts that circulated on Chinese social media platforms alleged that Palawan was once called Zheng He Island, named after a Chinese explorer. While these platforms are not official government channels, social media in China is controlled and closely monitored by the Chinese government.

Arenas emphasized the Philippines' full sovereignty over Palawan, stating, "The Philippines has always exercised full sovereignty over Palawan. This is an indisputable fact." She further condemned China's actions, saying, "China's fabricated claims are blatant propaganda and an attack on our sovereignty. Palawan has always been and will always remain part of the Philippines. This is an established reality."

The congresswoman urged Philippine government agencies to issue updated maps delineating the country's maritime territory, political boundaries, and other significant features to counter Beijing's 'excessive and illegal' claims. Palawan is situated outside the so-called nine-dash line that China uses on its maps to claim a vast, resource-rich area in the West Philippine Sea.

The Philippines and China have overlapping claims in the South China Sea, including several features near Palawan. The Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in 2016 that China's claim of historic rights to resources within its so-called nine-dash line had no legal basis.