DND Fires Back at China: 'You're Ruining Your Own Reputation, Hindi Kami'
The Department of National Defense just went full clap-back mode against China on Thursday, rejecting Beijing's claims that Philippine maritime operations near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) are some kind of "self-directed farce." DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong didn't hold back, saying China has nobody to blame but itself for the growing global awareness of its aggressive behavior in the West Philippine Sea.
"The PRC's illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive activities in the West Philippine Sea are accurately documented and communicated to the public," Andolong said in a strongly-worded statement. He added that the Philippines' operations in these waters are "lawful, routine, and conducted in the exercise of the country's sovereign rights and jurisdiction under international law."
The shoal, located just over 100 nautical miles from Zambales province — well within the Philippine exclusive economic zone — has been a major flashpoint between Manila and Beijing. China has controlled access to the area since 2012, and Filipino fisherfolk and government vessels routinely face harassment as far out as 30 nautical miles from the shoal.
Andolong also took aim at China's complaints about the Philippines' "transparency strategy," which involves publicizing and internationalizing Chinese harassment in Filipino waters. "Transparency is abhorred by those who twist the truth and manipulate narratives to legitimize their unlawful acts and baseless claims," the DND spokesperson said.
The DFA earlier also rejected Beijing's attempt to use an old letter from a former Philippine ambassador to claim Manila had conceded sovereignty over the shoal. The 2016 Arbitral Award declared Scarborough Shoal a common fishing ground — meaning no country should restrict access — but China has ignored the ruling for over a decade.
Source: Rappler — PH defense dept: China to blame for damage to its own reputation
