China told: Stop the drama over Sandy Cay
MANILA, Philippines — Several Philippine senators condemned China’s claim to Sandy Cay in the West Philippine Sea, dismissing Beijing’s assertion as a manufactured spectacle and demanding a firmer government response.
Over the weekend, Chinese state media reported that the China Coast Guard had seized the disputed sandbar near Thitu Island. In response, Philippine authorities dispatched teams to inspect the area, only to find no evidence of Chinese presence.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros urged the Department of Foreign Affairs to file another diplomatic protest and called for increased patrols by the Philippine Coast Guard.
“China should stop creating drama. The photoshoot gimmick and supposed planting of the Chinese flag on Sandy Cay is just another spectacle orchestrated by Beijing. No self-respecting State would take it to mean that China now has sovereign rights over it,” Hontiveros said in a statement on Monday, April 28.
Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino, who has sponsored legislation defining the country’s maritime boundaries in disputed waters, also rebuked China’s recent proclamations. He also asserted the West Philippines as belonging to the Filipino people.
“The illegal seizure of Sandy Cay by the China Coast Guard is an outrageous assault on Philippine sovereignty. Sandy Cay lies within our territorial waters—indisputably ours under international law. This brazen intrusion must be met by the strongest diplomatic and defensive measures,” Tolentino said.
Senate Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada warned that, if true, China’s actions would pose a significant threat to national security and sovereignty. He called for a thorough investigation.
“We must firmly establish the truth behind China’s claims to Sandy Cay, as this situation poses a significant threat to our national sovereignty and security. If these claims are proven to be unfounded, it is yet another attempt to distort the reality of the situation and spread fake news,” Estrada said.
Confirmations. National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya has debunked China’s claim, stating there is “no truth whatsoever” to the report that the China Coast Guard seized Sandy Cay.
Philippine authorities deployed units to the sandbar and confirmed the absence of Chinese personnel.
The dispute over Sandy Cay is the latest flashpoint in the ongoing standoff between Manila and Beijing in the South China Sea.
- Latest
- Trending
