Philippine officials debunk 'Zheng He Island' claim for Palawan

Posts circulating on Chinese social media platforms claim that Palawan was named 'Zheng He Island' after the Chinese explorer, but historian Xiao Chua and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) say these claims are inaccurate.

The Philippine Navy described these posts as 'baseless' and 'absurd,' emphasizing that such statements lack legal references and go beyond common sense.

Chua points out that Zheng He's travels were confined to Western Seas and did not include areas near the Philippines, while the NHCP underscores Palawan's historical ties with the Sultanate of Sulu and Spanish administration.

Historical records show that European explorers established blood compacts in Palawan, and maps from various cartographers confirm its inclusion in the Philippine archipelago.

The NHCP also noted China's 'nine-dash line' which illustrates Beijing's claims over the South China Sea, dismissing these as part of attacks 'in the information domain.'

Public historian Xiao Chua further debunked similar claims, explaining that Zheng He's voyages were missions to the Western Oceans, not the Eastern Seas where the Philippines is located.

The Philippine Navy official stated unequivocally that a part of the Philippines will never be included in the sovereign territory of any other country.