Manila Rejects Beijing’s Disinformation Campaign Regarding Pag-asa Cay 2 in the West Philippine Sea
Manila, Philippines – The National Maritime Council (NMC) has vehemently denounced what it characterizes as a calculated disinformation campaign orchestrated by China concerning Pag-asa Cay 2 (also known as Sandy Cay), a contested landform within the West Philippine Sea. The council has firmly asserted the Philippines’ sovereign rights and unwavering control over the disputed territory, rejecting China’s attempts to undermine its legitimate claims.
In an official statement, the NMC accused Chinese state-controlled media outlets of disseminating fabricated narratives, alleging that China has established effective control over Pag-asa Cay 2 by hoisting its flag and undertaking waste collection activities on the cay. The council labeled these actions as a blatant instance of disinformation designed to mislead both the Chinese populace and the international community, underlining that Pag-asa Cay 2 is an inalienable component of Philippine national territory. This disinformation campaign, the NMC argues, represents a clear attempt by Beijing to manipulate public perception and advance its own territorial ambitions in the contested waters.
The NMC further criticized the detrimental environmental impact caused by a persistent swarm of Chinese vessels surrounding Pag-asa Island and its adjacent cays. These activities, combined with the long-term effects of artificial island construction, particularly at Zamora Reef (Subi Reef), which the Philippines claims as part of its territorial sea, are causing significant ecological degradation. This environmental damage, the council stressed, further underscores the disruptive and irresponsible nature of China’s actions in the region.
The Philippines has issued a formal call to China, urging it to respect established principles of international maritime law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the landmark 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, which invalidated China’s expansive claims in the region, and the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), a framework intended to promote peaceful dispute resolution. The Philippines emphasized the importance of adhering to these internationally recognized legal instruments to maintain stability and prevent further escalation of tensions in the South China Sea.
While reiterating its unwavering dedication to peaceful and constructive dialogue as a means of resolving the ongoing maritime dispute, the Philippines has also pledged to continue its lawful and routine activities within the region. These activities, conducted in accordance with the country’s maritime entitlements as stipulated under international law, demonstrate the Philippines’ resolute commitment to upholding its sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the face of external pressures. The National Security Council has previously dismissed China’s accusations that the Philippines illegally seized Sandy Cay, reinforcing the government’s position that the cay falls squarely within Philippine territory.
The escalating tensions surrounding Pag-asa Cay 2 represent the latest chapter in the protracted and complex territorial dispute between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea. The deployment of Chinese maritime militia vessels and the ongoing disinformation campaigns underscore the challenges in achieving a peaceful and lasting resolution to the longstanding disagreement. The Philippines remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting its territorial integrity and maritime rights while continuing to pursue diplomatic avenues for resolving the dispute with China. The unfolding events in the South China Sea warrant close international attention as they have significant implications for regional stability and the rules-based international order. The international community’s support for the Philippines’ adherence to international law and its pursuit of peaceful resolution mechanisms plays a crucial role in de-escalating tensions and promoting a rules-based maritime order in the South China Sea. The Philippines’ resolve to protect its sovereign territory and its commitment to international law serve as a critical bulwark against expansionist activities and contribute to maintaining peace and stability in the region.
