PH dismiss China’s claim over activities in disputed sea

President Benigno S. Aquino III checks out the view of the West Philippine Sea from the administration building of Philippine Navy headquarters in Palawan during the 116th Anniversary of the Philippine Navy at the open grounds of the Naval Forces West naval station, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan on Tuesday (May 27). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

MANILA – The Philippines once again, reiterated its claims in the disputed territories slamming China’s criticism of its plan to repair military facilities in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Charles Jose said that the activities of the Philippines in the said areas are “in no way comparable” to the massive reclamation activities of China in the area.

“The Philippines’ possible undertaking of necessary maintenance and repairs on its existing facilities in the West Philippine Sea… is in no way comparable to China’s massive reclamation activities which not only violate international law… but also unnecessarily raise tensions,” Jose said.

He added that the said criticisms will not detract from China’s actions which are raising tensions among countries involved in the dispute.

It could be noted that Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying denounced on Friday the country’s resumption of the construction of facilities in the sea.

“This does not only violate China’s territorial sovereignty but also reveals [the Philippines’] hypocritical nature,” Hua had said.

Jose, however said that “China’s recent statement… should not distract us from the real issues in the South China Sea which are China’s illegitimate nine-dash line claim and China’s unilateral and aggressive behavior in asserting that claim as exemplified by its massive and unrestrained reclamation.”