China Clashes With US Ally Over Rocket Launch

The Philippines—a treaty ally of the United States—accused its major rival, China, of being irresponsible for launching a rocket across the South China Sea and putting its people at risk.

While Chinese authorities have not responded, state media—citing sources—reported that debris from the rocket fell into “predesignated drop zones” within international waters.

Newsweek has contacted the Chinese Embassy in Manila and the Philippine Embassy in Beijing for further comment via email.

Why It Matters

China and the Philippines both claim sovereignty over parts of the South China Sea, where overlapping claims often lead to clashes between their forces. Heightened tensions could draw the U.S. into a conflict, as Washington has signed a mutual defense treaty with Manila.

To support its fast-growing and ambitious space program, China has built two spacecraft launch facilities on the southern island province of Hainan, which borders the South China Sea. One is operated by the national space agency, while the other is commercially run.

What To Know

China’s Xinhua News Agency reported that a Long March-12 carrier rocket was launched from the commercial spacecraft launch site on Hainan Island on Monday evening. The rocket successfully placed its payload—low-orbit internet satellites—into orbit.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said China’s rocket launch caused alarm and concern in the country because of “loud explosions,” adding that a “fireball” was seen in the sky before it exploded, causing the ground to shake.

Footage and images shared by Jay Tarriela, a spokesperson for the Philippine coast guard, show a condensation trail in the sky, which he said was consistent with rocket exhaust or propulsion. He added that five loud explosions were recorded because of rocket-related activity.

The Philippine Space Agency said the expected rocket debris was projected to have fallen within the designated drop zone in the Sulu Sea, in the southwestern part of the country.

According to a map provided by the Philippine Space Agency, the drop zone is located 24 miles from Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and 20 miles from Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. It lies outside Philippine territorial waters, which extend up to 13.8 miles from the coastline.

While no damage or injuries had been reported, Año warned that rocket debris “poses a clear danger and risk” to land areas, as well as to ships and aircraft passing through the drop zone.

The Philippines has deployed ships and aircraft to search for rocket debris. Año asked the public to notify local authorities if they find suspected debris but warned them not to attempt to retrieve or come into close contact with the debris because of possible toxic fuel residues.

In response to Manila’s claims, China’s Global Times reported on Wednesday, citing sources familiar with the rocket launch mission, that the launch aligned with the mission designs, safety notices issued to surrounding countries prior to the launch and international practices.

What People Are Saying

Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said in a statement on Tuesday: “We condemn in no uncertain terms the irresponsible testing done by the People’s Republic of China of its Long March 12 rocket which alarmed the public and placed the people of Palawan at risk.”

Jay Tarriela, a spokesperson for the Philippine coast guard, wrote on X on Tuesday: “The PCG continues to prioritize maritime safety and environmental protection in Philippine waters. Mariners and the public are advised to remain vigilant and report any sightings of potential debris to local PCG stations. No immediate threats to safety or navigation have been reported as a result of this event.”

China’s Global Times reported on Wednesday: “The Chinese Foreign Ministry has repeatedly stated that China consistently conducts peaceful space activities in accordance with international law and practices. From the development phase of space projects, China has integrated requirements for debris mitigation and deorbiting measures for launch vehicles and satellites entering orbit.”

What Happens Next

It remains to be seen whether the Philippines will recover any Chinese rocket debris following its search.