DFA to spacefaring states: Conduct activities responsibly

SMOKE TRAIL Smoke billows into the sky above Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, in this photo taken past 6 p.m. on Monday following an explosion from suspected debris of China’s Long March 12 rocket, launched on the same day. — Photo by Chris Barrientos/Contributor

MANILA, Philippines — Following explosions believed to be related to China’s recent space rocket launch, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) called on all spacefaring states to conduct their space activities responsibly and with due regard for the rights and interests of other states.

On Wednesday, Palace press officer Claire Castro said the Philippines “notes with concern” the launch of China’s Long March 12 rocket, which alarmed residents in Palawan.

READ: West PH Sea: Explosions heard in Palawan after Chinese rocket launch

“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,” the DFA said in a statement, as read by Castro at a briefing in New Delhi, India.

She added that the situation is not yet a cause for concern, despite the proximity of the fallen rocket debris to Palawan, citing information from the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA).

“As of the moment, there is nothing to worry about,” said Castro.

The agency will also assess whether China violated anything regarding appropriate communication mechanisms for rocket launches.

“We will first check to see if anything has been violated, but as of the moment, it seems like there is no violation of anything,” she said.

On Tuesday, Philippine Coast Guard Commodore Jay Tarriela confirmed that “five loud explosions” believed to be related to the Chinese rocket launch were heard in the eastern part of Palawan the previous day.

This coincided with a previously issued public advisory on a scheduled rocket launch from China, which took place between 6:14 p.m. and 6:42 p.m. from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan Province, China.

PhilSA said the debris from the launch was projected to fall within the designated drop zones — approximately 21 nautical miles from Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and 18 NM from Tubbataha Reef Natural Park. /das