MANILA – National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Año on Tuesday dismissed China’s claims that Palawan was historically part of its territory as “baseless” and “revisionist.”
“These assertions are outright fabrications intended to distort history and challenge the Philippines’ sovereignty,” Año said, rejecting the claims circulating on Chinese social media that Palawan should be returned to China.
Año emphasized that Palawan has always been an integral part of the Philippines, supported by archaeological findings, centuries of governance, and international treaties such as the 1898 Treaty of Paris and the 1900 Treaty of Washington. He further dismissed the claim that Palawan was once named “Zheng He Island,” calling it a fabrication with no historical basis.
“There is no credible evidence to support China’s claim, and even if Admiral Zheng He visited Southeast Asia in the 14th century, such a visit does not imply ownership,” he added.
Año confirmed that the disinformation first emerged on Chinese social media platforms like Weibo and Red Note but stressed these do not come from official Chinese government sources or mainstream media.
The National Security Council has urged both Filipinos and the international community to remain alert to digital disinformation and rely on verified historical facts instead of propaganda aimed at undermining Philippine sovereignty.
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