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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH raises concern over China's rocket launch

PH raises concern over China's rocket launch

Published Aug 6, 2025 02:51 pm
The Philippines expressed concern over the rocket launch conducted by China which has caused loud explosions that triggered panic among residents in Palawan.
A visible condensation trail is observed in the sky by residents in eastern Palawan on Aug. 4, 2025 after a series of loud explosions. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) says these are connected to the rocket launch made by China. (Photo courtesy of PCG)
A visible condensation trail is observed in the sky by residents in eastern Palawan on Aug. 4, 2025 after a series of loud explosions. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) says these are connected to the rocket launch made by China. (Photo courtesy of PCG)
This was stated in a statement of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) read by Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro in a press briefing in India on Wednesday, Aug. 6.
"The Philippines notes with concern China's launch of its Long March 12 space launch vehicle on 4 August 2025, which resulted in debris falling into Philippine waters," the DFA Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro said.
With this, the Philippines urged all spacefaring states to "conduct their space activities in a manner consistent with norms of responsible behavior and with due regard to the rights of interests of other states."
Lazaro cited the commitment made between President Marcos and Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2023 that the Philippines continues to work with China on the appropriate communication mechanisms on rocket launches and resulting procedures on the management of post-launch impacts.
The DFA chief, however, deferred comments on technical and safety matters to the Philippines Space Agency and other concerned agencies.
According to Castro, Deputy Director General Gay Jane Perez said while the rocket's drop zone was near the Philippines, they still have to study its possible impact to the country.
"[N]akausap din po natin si Deputy Director General Gay Jane Perez po ng Philippines Space Agency at sa kanya pong pagsusuri at sa kanyang paningin ay medyo malapit nga po ang naging drop zone (We also spoke with Deputy Director General Gay Jane Perez of the Philippine Space Agency, and based on her analysis and observation, the drop zone was indeed somewhat close)," Castro said.
"So, pero po yung mga teknikal po nito ay aaralin pa po kung ano po ang naging epekto nito sa Pilipinas (However, the technical aspects of this will still be studied to determine its impact on the Philippines)," she adde.
She also said that "as of the moment, there is nothing to be concerned about."
"Titingnan po muna kung may nalabag pero as of the moment, parang wala naman pong nakikita na paglabag ng anumang (We will first check if any laws or rules were violated, but as of the moment, it seems there are no apparent violations)," Castro said.

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rocket launch China Palawan Long March 12 space launch vehicle
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