NMC: Sandy Cay claim is clear ‘example’ of China gov’t disinformation

China is allegedly interfering with the Philippines’ upcoming midterm elections, National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said during the Senate’s special panel on maritime and admiralty zones’ hearing on Thursday. INQUIRER.net file photo / ARNEL TACSON

MANILA, Philippines — The National Maritime Council (NMC) belied the reported China’s claim over Sandy Cay, saying this is a “clear example” of disinformation by the Chinese government.

Beijing state media reported last Saturday that the cay, also known as Pag-asa Cay 2, was seized by the Chinese coast guard.

“The alleged seizure of Pag-asa Cay 2 (Sandy Cay), an integral part of the Philippine national territory in the West Philippine Sea, was a clear example of the disinformation activities of the Chinese Government,” the NMC said in a statement on Saturday.

“Through its State-controlled media, China uses disinformation to mislead its own people and the international community about the continuing illegality of its activities in the West Philippine Sea,” the NMC added.

INQUIRER.net has sought comment from the Chinese Embassy in Manila, but it has yet to respond as of this writing.

READ: China, Philippines display their flags on disputed Sandy Cay post

National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya on Monday denied the Chinese state media report.

Further, the Philippine government sent a contingent of officers from the Philippine Navy, the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine National Police Maritime Group to the cay in response.