PH alarmed as China rocket debris falls on local waters

ROCKET LAUNCH. A diagram released by the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) shows the estimated drop zone of China’s Long March 12 rocket on Aug. 4, 2025. Authorities cautioned the public to avoid any contact with suspected rocket debris that may have fallen off the waters of Palawan province. (Photo courtesy of PhilSA)

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

NEW DELHI – The Philippines has expressed concern over the reported fall of debris from a Chinese rocket into its waters, urging spacefaring nations to act responsibly and safeguard the interests of other states.

In a press briefing here Tuesday, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro read the Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) official statement on the Aug. 4 launch of China’s Long March 12 rocket, which left debris within Philippine maritime territory.

“The Philippines takes this opportunity to urge 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 interest of other states,” Castro quoted DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro as saying.

She noted that under the 2023 agreement between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Chinese President Xi Jinping, both countries committed to maintain appropriate communication mechanisms in handling rocket launches and their post-launch effects.

“The department defers comments on technical and safety matters to the Philippine Space Agency and other concerned agencies,” Castro said.

The Palace official also said Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) Deputy Director General Gay Jane Perez assessed the incident and found the debris drop zone “medyo malapit nga po” (somewhat close) to Philippine territory.

“Pero po ‘yung mga teknikal po nito ay aaralin pa po kung ano po ang naging effect nito sa Pilipinas. Pero as of the moment, wala naman daw pong dapat ikabahala (Technical teams will still assess any possible effects on the Philippines, but at the moment, there is no cause for alarm),” Castro said.

Asked what action the government is taking, she responded: “Titignan po muna kung may nalabag pero as of the moment parang wala naman po nakikita na paglabag ng anuman (We’ll check first if there were any violations, but at the moment, there doesn’t appear to be any).”