PN: China's 10-dash line claim is a 'joke' with no legal basis

The Philippine Navy (PN) dismissed China's 10-dash line claim in the South China Sea as a 'joke designed for entertainment' with no legal basis on Tuesday, March 25.

Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, PN spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, emphasized that China's claims are absurd and lack international legal support compared to the Philippines' own claims backed by the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling and the Constitution.

Trinidad noted that China’s assertions could be aimed at internal Chinese audiences, Filipino citizens, or the global community, serving as a narrative tool for the CCP but stressed no one is 'laughing at the joke.'

The admiral highlighted that while China's claims should not be taken seriously, they must use all available means to counter false narratives online about Philippine territory and rights in the South China Sea.

China introduced a new map with the 10-dash line in 2023, replacing its previous nine-dash line claim which was invalidated by an international ruling but ignored by Beijing.