Manila Accuses China of Disinformation Campaign Over Sandy Cay in South China Sea Dispute
Manila, Philippines – The Philippines has launched a scathing attack against China, accusing it of waging a disinformation campaign regarding the disputed Sandy Cay in the South China Sea. The National Maritime Council (NMC) of the Philippines issued a strong statement denouncing China’s alleged attempts to falsely portray its control over the cay, which the Philippines insists is an integral part of its territory. The NMC specifically cited China’s highly publicized flag-raising and waste collection activities on Sandy Cay, branding them as staged events designed to mislead both the Chinese populace and the international community. This escalating war of words underscores the deep tensions between the two nations over territorial claims in the strategically vital waterway.
The NMC’s statement underscored the Philippines’ unwavering commitment to defending its maritime domain and rejecting any claims that undermine its sovereignty. The council accused China of employing manipulative tactics to depict a narrative contrary to international law and the Philippines’ legitimate rights. The dispute centers on Sandy Cay, also known as Pag-asa Cay 2 in the Philippines and Tiexian Jiao in China. The Philippines asserts that Sandy Cay falls within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), while China maintains its own claims to the feature. The recent incident involving Chinese personnel raising a flag and conducting inspections on Sandy Cay further inflamed the situation, leading to strong condemnations from Philippine officials.
The NMC further highlighted the detrimental environmental impact of China’s assertive actions in the region. The council pointed to the persistent presence of Chinese vessels near Pag-asa Island and the ecological damage resulting from China’s extensive artificial island-building on Zamora Reef (Subi Reef), a low-tide elevation within the territorial sea of Pag-asa Island and its surrounding cays. This accusation adds another layer to the complex dispute, bringing environmental concerns to the forefront of the already tense geopolitical situation.
In response to the escalating tensions, the Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, and Philippine National Police-Maritime Group conducted a joint visit to Sandy Cay and its adjacent waters. This demonstration of presence aimed to counter China’s narrative and reaffirm the Philippines’ sovereignty over the disputed feature. While the Philippines maintains its commitment to peaceful resolution and constructive dialogue, it also emphasizes its resolve to continue lawful activities within its maritime entitlements as defined by international law. This balanced approach reflects the Philippines’ desire to avoid further escalation while safeguarding its territorial integrity.
House Speaker Romualdez echoed the NMC’s sentiments, characterizing the Chinese actions as "desperate and cheap stunts" intended to bolster illegitimate claims. His strong condemnation reflects the widespread concern within the Philippine government over China’s increasingly assertive posture in the South China Sea. The Speaker called upon China to cease its provocative actions, respect international law, and end its manipulative tactics. This unequivocal message reflects the growing frustration within the Philippines over what it perceives as China’s disregard for international norms and its attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo in the region.
The South China Sea dispute has become a major flashpoint in the region, with China’s expansive claims overlapping with those of several Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. The area is rich in untapped natural resources, including oil and natural gas reserves, adding an economic dimension to the territorial disputes. China’s increasing assertiveness in the region, including its island-building activities, militarization of artificial islands, and aggressive patrols, has heightened tensions and raised concerns about the potential for conflict. The Philippines, a key U.S. ally in the region, has found itself at the forefront of this geopolitical struggle, balancing its desire for amicable relations with China with the need to protect its sovereign rights. The ongoing dispute over Sandy Cay serves as a microcosm of the larger South China Sea conflict, highlighting the complex challenges facing the region and the potential for further escalation in the absence of a negotiated settlement.
