NMC dismisses China’s claim on Sandy Cay as disinformation

The National Maritime Council (NMC) dismissed China's claim of seizing Sandy Cay as disinformation intended to mislead both its people and the international community on Saturday.

China uses state-controlled media to spread false information about its illegal activities in the West Philippine Sea, according to the NMC, which recently announced that it has taken control of Sandy Cay (Pag-asa Cay 2).

The council highlighted that displaying flags and waste collection on Pag-asa Cay 2 are attempts by China to falsely claim control over the area.

Philippine authorities have also blamed China for environmental degradation around Pagasa Island due to persistent illegal activities of Chinese vessels, including massive artificial island-building in Zamora Reef.

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV previously reported that China's coast guard had 'implemented maritime control' over Tiexian Jiao, part of Sandy Cay, in mid-April.

The NMC urged China to adhere to international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award.

On Monday, the Philippine Navy, Coast Guard, and National Police-Maritime Group conducted a routine visit to Sandy Cay and surrounding waters of Cay 1 and Cay 3 to counter China's narrative and assert sovereignty over the area.