PHL calls on int'l community to press to stop reclamation in South China Sea

The Philippines has called on the international community to press for a stop to massive reclamation activities in the South China Sea that could increase tension in the disputed area.

 

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, Undersecretary Evan Garcia said at the 17th ASEAN-India Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) held in New Delhi on March 14 that “such unbridled reclamation activity worsens an already sensitive geopolitical situation and raises the specter of increasing militarization.” 

 

The DFA also said that Indian Minister of External Affairs Anil Wadha assured the Philippines "that India will encourage the peaceful resolution of the dispute."

 

On Thursday, the Philippines called on China to stop reclamation work in contested areas in the South China Sea, including in areas that Philippine officials say are within Manila's territory.

 

A latest surveillance photo of Burgos Reef (Gaven Reef), according to Philippine defense officials, showed that China has constructed a building as large as the Mall of Asia in Pasay City – Manila’s biggest shopping mall.

 

“We are strongly opposed to the reclamation for several reasons because very clearly it is intended to change the status quo, the character and feature, including maritime entitlements, of features in the South China Sea,” Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose told reporters then. — JDS, GMA News