THE Department of National Defense hit back at China on Wednesday, saying Beijing is “very good at concocting stories” after it accused the Philippines of committing acts of “provocation” in the disputed the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).
“If there is one thing we are certain of, we know that they are very good at concocting stories and misleading statements,” Defense spokesperson Dr. Peter Paul Galvez told reporters on Wednesday.
China’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement early this week that the Philippines has to stop its “malicious hyping and provocation” on the sea dispute. Last week, it also accused the Philippines of doing reclamation activities in the disputed waters.
BACKSTORY: China asks PH to stop acts of provocation at Panatag
“They are saying too many that now they are confused. What they should do is to stop all activities in West Philippine Sea reclamation, dismantle structures and apologize to the international community for the massive environmental degradation they committed,” Galvez said.
The Philippines has repeatedly denied doing construction works in the West Philippine Sea.
“How can we stop and evacuate if we don’t’ even have a construction ongoing? They are the ones provoking and dragging peace-focused nations into this tense situation. All other nations have been dealing with this in a peaceful, diplomatic and rules-based manner,” he said.
China claims most parts of the West Philippine Sea. Based on recent satellite images released by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, China has made significant progress in the disputed waters, including those areas claimed by the Philippines. AC