NMC: China using Sandy Cay claim as disinformation tactic

The National Maritime Council (NMC) of the Philippines stated that China's claim of seizing Sandy Cay is a disinformation tactic to conceal its illegal activities in the West Philippine Sea.

According to the NMC, China's state-controlled media disseminated false information to mislead both its citizens and the international community regarding the ongoing illegality of its actions in the West Philippine Sea.

The alleged seizure of Sandy Cay, which the Philippines refers to as Pag-asa Cay 2 and considers part of its national territory, was characterized by China as an act of disinformation involving the display of its flag and waste collection to imply effective control.

The NMC also holds China responsible for environmental degradation around Pag-asa Island and its cays due to the persistent swarming of Chinese vessels and extensive artificial island construction.

The Philippines is urging China to adhere to international laws, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, and to implement the 2002 Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

The Philippine government remains committed to pursuing peaceful dispute resolution and constructive approaches to managing differences while continuing its lawful activities in the West Philippine Sea.

The Philippine Navy had previously refuted China's occupation claim of Sandy Cay, suggesting it was a diversionary tactic amid other controversies.

Philippine authorities have actively raised the nation's flag on Sandy Cay to counter China's assertions of having seized the area.