The Department of National Defense (DND) on Thursday ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to “strengthen” its presence in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
This comes after reports from Bloomberg that China is allegedly reclaiming four unoccupied reefs namely Lankiam Cay, Eldad Reef, Whitsun Reef, and Sandy Cay.
“Any encroachment in the WPS or reclamation on the features therein is a threat to the security of Pag-asa Island, which is part of Philippine sovereign territory,” the DND said in a statement.
It added that these Chinese activities may "endanger the marine environment" and "undermine" the region’s stability.
"We strongly urge China to uphold the prevailing rules-based international order and refrain from acts that will exacerbate tensions in the WPS and the larger South China Sea,” the DND underscored.
On Wednesday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that they are “seriously concerned” over China’s new reclamation activities.
‘Fake News’
Meanwhile, the South China Sea (SCS) Probing Initiative on Wednesday strongly denied Bloomberg’s report and called it “fake news.”
In a Twitter post on Wednesday, SCS Probing Initiative said that the sandbars and formations of the three accused reefs Lankiam Cay, Eldad Reef, and Whitsun Reef “naturally change every year.”
But it said that Sandy Cay is occupied by Vietnam, hence there is a reclamation venture.
“How ridiculous to blame China!” it said.
“The reporter of Bloomberg News should do more homework on SCS issue,” the SCS Probing Initiative further said.
The said post was retweeted by the Chinese Embassy in Manila.
