DND tells China to stop 'earthmoving' in disputed sea

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of National Defense (DND) on Wednesday condemned China's reclamation efforts on Mabini (Johnson South) Reef, part of Philippine-claimed waters in the disputed South China Sea.

"This activity contravenes the spirit of the DOC (Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea) and a security concern of all the region," DND spokesperson Peter Paul Galvez said in a statement.

Citing the agreement signed by China and Southeast Asian nations in 2002 prohibiting the establishment of new facilities in disputed area, the DND also urged China to "stop immediately" the ongoing reclamation.

"These provocative acts, which they should immediately stop, further disturbs the fabric of regional peace and stability," Galvez said.

He added that the DOC also forbids state signatories from taking over presently inhabited maritime features including islands, reefs, shoals and cays claimed by other countries.

Confirming China's latest move in the territorial spat with the Philippines, Galvez earlier said the "earthmoving activities" appear to be part of an upcoming airfield construction.

Galvez said, however, that the Philippines "cannot speculate at this point."

Philippine Navy aerial patrols reportedly spotted the construction in reconnaissance flights over the contested maritime region.

Mabini Reef, located in a vast, bean-shaped submerged coral outcrop, is also claimed by Vietnam, which maintains several nearby military installations. Chinese and Vietnamese forces fought a deadly naval battle in the contested region in 1988.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said in a statement Wednesday that the Philippines has lodged a protest on the China's reclamation on the Manila-claimed reef.

"The Chinese side rejected the protest. The President raised the Mabini Reef issue in Nay Pyi Taw. The Philippines already included Mabini Reef in the Memorial to clarify Mabini Reef’s physical character," Del Rosario said.