The South China Sea Sham: China’s Fabricated Claims Target Philippine Waters

By Carl Kolchak for WPS.News

Baybay City, Philippines – November 17, 2025 – Folks, buckle up for a geopolitical doozy! Your favorite investigative reporter, Carl Kolchak, has been digging deep into the murky waters of the South China Sea dispute, and what I’ve unearthed is enough to make a sailor spit out his grog. It seems the folks in Beijing have been spinning yarns fishier than a market on a Friday night.

We all know the story: China claims a vast swathe of the South China Sea, encompassing a mythical nine-dash line that conveniently cuts through the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of several Southeast Asian nations, including our very own Philippines. But here’s the kicker – there’s mounting evidence suggesting this whole claim is a carefully constructed web of lies.

For starters, the historical basis for the nine-dash line is as flimsy as a used tissue. China points to ancient maps, some so blurry they could be mistaken for Rorschach tests, as proof of their historical rights. But these maps, upon closer inspection, often depict things like mythical sea monsters rather than anything resembling a territorial claim.

Then there’s the whole international law angle. The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), a document signed by both China and the Philippines, spells out crystal clear the concept of EEZs. These zones extend 200 nautical miles from a nation’s coastline, granting them exclusive rights to resources and economic activity within those waters. China, however, seems to have a selective reading comprehension problem when it comes to international law.

Perhaps the most blatant lie China peddles is the whole “historical fishing grounds” narrative. They claim their fishermen have been plying these waters for centuries, a convenient justification for their aggressive presence. But here’s the rub: historical records from Southeast Asian nations paint a different picture. These accounts show vibrant maritime trade routes flourishing in the region long before China even considered venturing out so far.

The real story, folks, is one of intimidation and resource grabs. China’s massive fishing fleets, often heavily subsidized by the government, plunder the rich fishing grounds within the Philippine EEZ, depleting vital stocks and leaving Filipino fishermen with scraps. Their military presence in the region, with heavily armed coast guard vessels and artificial islands built on disputed reefs, is a constant reminder of their muscle-flexing.

So, what can be done? Well, the Philippines, along with other Southeast Asian nations, needs to stand firm. We need to continue asserting our rights under UNCLOS and push back against Chinese aggression. International pressure is crucial to put a stop to China’s bullying tactics.

But most importantly, Filipinos need to be aware of what’s at stake. This isn’t just about some faraway sea; it’s about our livelihood, our resources, and our national security. We can’t afford to let China rewrite history and steal our future. Let’s make some noise, folks, and show them that the Philippines won’t be bullied!

This is Carl Kolchak, signing off for WPS.News. Remember, folks, the truth is out there, and sometimes, it’s hiding in plain sight. Until next time, keep your eyes peeled and your skepticism sharp!