PhilSA warns of falling China rocket debris in PH EEZ

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has warned of expected debris from China's Long March 7A rocket launch, with projected drop zones within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

These drop zones are approximately 45 nautical miles from Burgos, Ilocos Norte, and 67 nautical miles from Dalupiri Island, Cagayan, as well as 64 nautical miles from Santa Ana, Cagayan, and 76 nautical miles from Camiguin Norte.

The rocket was launched from Wenchang, Hainan, China, on December 31, 2025, around 6:40 a.m.

PhilSA noted that unburned debris, such as the booster and fairing, are designed to be discarded during the rocket's ascent.

While not projected to fall on land, the falling debris poses a danger to ships, aircraft, and fishing boats transiting the drop zones.

There is also a possibility of debris floating and washing toward nearby coasts, and the uncontrolled re-entry of upper stages cannot be ruled out.