THE Philippines on Monday (April 20) called on China to stop its reclamation activities in the South China Sea as it poses risks on security.
Recent satellite images suggest China has made rapid progress in building an airstrip suitable for military use in contested territory in the Spratly islands in the South China Sea and may be planning another, moves that have been greeted with concern by G7 states and Asia.
Philippine Armed Forces Chief Gregorio Catapang showed satellite images of China’s reclamation work on several islands, including Johnson and Fiery Cross reefs, and told China to respect international law.
“We call on China to stop the reclamation activities and to be mindful of its responsibilities as a claimant state and an important member of the international community,” he said.
Catapang said he was concerned about the size of China’s reclamation works and how quick the structures were being built on disputed waters.
“It’s worrisome, because what’s the purpose of these? Some countries have reclaimed areas, but not that big. You know that Taiwan, Malaysia reclaimed the islands that they have, but they made it into a tourism haven. It never became a military facility or whatever, so hopefully China will do that way, but unfortunately the size of this reclamation is making us wonder what’s the real intention of these reclamation,” he said.
Catapang focused on two particular islands nearest to the Philippine claims, which could pose security risks and could potentially ignite clashes between the two countries.
“That’s a problem, they put up, they are reclaiming Zhubi Reef just across Pagasa (Thitu Island), they are reclaiming the Mischief Reef just across Ayungin shoal (Second thomas Shoal), it might create friction,” he added.
China has said that the construction work in the disputed South China Sea was conducted “within its territory” and “legal” amid criticism by the United States and the Philippines.
China’s rapid reclamation around seven reefs in the Spratly archipelago has alarmed other claimants.
China claims most of the South China Sea, through which $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also have overlapping claims. (Reuters)