The United States has expressed concern over the reclamation projects headed by the Chinese state-owned firm in Manila Bay in Manila Bay, citing the potential impact it may cause on the environment.
In a statement, US embassy spokesperson Kanishka Gangopadhyay aired its concern over the project's ties with China Communications Construction Co. — a firm they blacklisted following its role in "helping the Chinese military construct and militarize artificial islands in the South China Sea."
The embassy also added that the company has been "cited by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank for engaging in fraudulent business practices."
Aside from this, the US Embassy also noted the “potential negative long-term and irreversible impacts to the environment, the resilience to natural hazards of Manila and nearby areas, and to commerce” of the reclamation projects in Manila Bay.
The embassy vowed to "continue to support high quality, sustainable, and transparent investments to benefit the Filipino people and will continue to engage with the appropriate authorities on this matter."
China Communications Construction Co. has yet to issue a statement on the issue, as of posting.
According to the Philippine Reclamation Authority said (PRA), two of the six approved reclamation projects in Manila Bay are being carried out by CCCC units, China Harbour Engineering Company, and China First Highway Engineering Co. Ltd, together with Philippine companies and city governments.
