In early 2025, Chinese social media platforms became flooded with claims suggesting that Palawan, a province in the westernmost region of the Philippines, historically belonged to China. These posts allege that Palawan was once called "Zheng He Island," supposedly named after the famed Chinese explorer who led naval expeditions across Southeast Asia in the 15th century.
The Philippines' Firm Response
The Philippine government swiftly dismissed these assertions as "absurd" and "fabricated." The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) released a statement emphasizing that Palawan has always been an integral part of the country. Historical records, including the 1898 Treaty of Paris and the 1900 Treaty of Washington, firmly establish Palawan as Philippine territory.
"Palawan has never been under Chinese sovereignty," the NHCP declared. "These claims are baseless and lack any historical foundation."
Historical Evidence Debunks the Claim
Filipino-Chinese historian Xiao Chua refuted the social media claims, stating there is no historical evidence indicating that Admiral Zheng He ever set foot in Palawan. He further explained that traditional Chinese maps consistently show Hainan as the southernmost part of China, with no indication of Palawan being part of Chinese territory.
Additionally, the Philippine government highlighted that Palawan's indigenous communities and early Spanish accounts consistently identify the island as part of the Philippine archipelago, further weakening any argument supporting Chinese claims.
Analysts Warn of Disinformation Tactics
Political analysts believe these social media narratives are part of a broader disinformation campaign aimed at shaping public perception and justifying Chinese influence in the South China Sea region. Ian Chong, a political scientist from the National University of Singapore, suggested that these claims may be part of a cognitive warfare strategy.
"While these posts are not official Chinese government statements, they create confusion and undermine Philippine sovereignty," Chong noted. "This is a tactic often used to blur the lines between legitimate and illegitimate territorial claims."
Regional Tensions Escalate
The timing of these social media claims coincides with heightened tensions between China and the Philippines over territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Recent maritime confrontations and accusations of aggression from both sides have intensified concerns about regional stability.
Despite the provocative claims, the Philippine government remains steadfast in its position. National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Ano assured the public that Palawan is, and will remain, Philippine territory. "We will not allow baseless assertions to undermine our sovereignty," he asserted.
Conclusion
The unfounded claims circulating on Chinese social media regarding Palawan Island being "part of China" lack any credible historical evidence and have been firmly rejected by Philippine authorities. As geopolitical tensions continue to simmer in the region, the Philippines remains vigilant against disinformation campaigns that seek to challenge its territorial integrity.