Manila Philippines — The National Security Council (NSC) has challenged Chinese government to open up the Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal to international inspection and 3rd-party inspectors from relevant United Nations bodies.
This is in relation to Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson denying environment destructions in Bajo de Masinloc despite the incontrovertible proof presented by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
“In the face of China’s repeated denials, we call on China to open up Bajo de Masinloc to international inspection and well also call on 3rd party inspectors from relevant United Nations bodies or respected environmental organizations to determine the true situation therein in order to protect the environment,” said Jonathan Malaya, Assistant Director General and official Spokesperson of National Security Council in a statement.
The PCG has released footages showing China’s destructive fishing practices on the maritime environmental which includes severe damage of coral reefs.
See post here: https://x.com/jaytaryela/status/1792474403248484821
Malaya added that giant clams, among others are declared protected species under the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Faura.
The NSC insisted that China has no legal rights over BDM, and entire expansive claims in the South China Sea.
RELATED: CHINA REMAINS IN ITS POSITION OVER OIL, GAS EXPLORATION IN WEST PH SEA
RELATED: DFA ‘NOT AWARE ‘OF THE ‘NEW MODEL’ IN AYUNGIN SHOAL
The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTFWPS) has decide the release photos and videos for transparency over the illegal activities conducted by the Chines fishermen, even during the previous administration.
The Chinese government, on the other hand blames the Philippines over their so-called territorial claims in Nansha Qundao, including Zhonye Dao.
“If any environmental degradation appears in those waters, it is the Philippines who needs to reflect on its behavior, instead of wrongly accusing China,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Saturday.
Read: https://www.mfa.gov.cn/eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/2511_665403/202405/t20240520_11308199.html
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has yet to release any statement over the most recent destructions of maritime environment in BDM.