The Philippines' development efforts on Pag-asa and Lawak Islands in the West Philippine Sea are "legitimate exercises" intended to improve the welfare and livelihood of Filipinos in the area, the National Maritime Council (NMC) said.

The council made the statement, echoing the position of the Department of National Defense (DND), which rejected China’s opposition over the country's infrastructure and development activities in the islands.

"The Philippines’ continued administration and development efforts in the Municipality of Kalayaan, which includes Pag-asa Island and Lawak Island, are legitimate exercises of governance intended to improve the welfare, safety, and livelihood of Filipinos living and working in these communities," the NMC stated.

"These efforts reflect our responsibility to care for our people and uphold lawful activities within areas under Philippine sovereignty and jurisdiction," the council added.

The NMC also underscored that it is the Philippines' sovereign duty and right to improve the conditions of the maritime features of the Kalayaan Island Group for the welfare of its people who live or work in the area.

It noted that the Municipality of Kalayaan, composed of the maritime features of the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG), has long been part of the Philippines’ national territory.

The counsel also argued that "territorial claims based on expansive maritime assertions and unfounded historic claims are not legally supportable under international law."

It stressed that China's "excessive maritime assertions" within the so-called “nine-dash line” have already been declared baseless and incompatible with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) by the Arbitral Tribunal in its 2016 Arbitral Award.

"Through the NMC, the Philippines remains committed to strengthening whole-of-government coordination, promoting maritime awareness, and ensuring that facts, law, and responsible state behavior continue to guide discourse and action in the West Philippine Sea," the NMC said.

"The Philippines will continue to stand firm, guided by law, grounded in facts, and committed to peace, stability, and the protection of our national interests," it added.

It further stated that "the Philippines remains steadfast in upholding international law and advancing a rules-based order grounded in responsible conduct, constructive dialogue, and peaceful settlement of disputes, and respect for the rights of all countries."