MANILA – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is standing by its claims of China’s alleged reclamation attempt at Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.
According to PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela, their findings on the reclamation try were properly documented and cannot be dismissed as disinformation by China.
“What I find truly fascinating about China is their ability to employ deception, denial, and false narratives while projecting a facade of concern for regional stability,” Tarriela said in a statement Tuesday.
“They excel at crafting statements and narrating events in a way that convinces others of their peaceful intentions and care for the marine environment,” he added.
Tarriela said over the weekend that the PCG had discovered crushed corals allegedly dumped by Chinese ships in Escoda Shoal in a supposed new reclamation attempt.
However, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin responded by accusing the Philippines of spreading rumors in an attempt to smear Beijing and “mislead” the international community.
“The accusation of ‘China’s reclamation’ at Xianbin Jiao (Chinese name for Escoda Shoal) is sheer rumor spread by the Philippines, which is an irresponsible claim designed to vilify China and mislead the international community,” Wang said.
“China urges the Philippines to stop making irresponsible remarks, face up to the facts and return to the right track of properly handling maritime disputes through negotiation and consultation,” he added./PN