Senior Manila official calls Beijing’s plan a pretext for ‘eventual occupation’ as analysts warn of higher tensions over disputed waterway
On Thursday, Philippine national security adviser Eduardo Ano called the Chinese plan a “clear pretext towards eventual occupation” instead of a move to protect the environment. The Philippine foreign ministry also said it would issue a “formal diplomatic protest against this illegitimate and unlawful action by China”.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian defended the move, saying it was within China’s sovereignty to “safeguard the diversity, stability and sustainability” of Scarborough’s ecological system.
“We urge the Philippine side to immediately cease its infringing and provocative actions, as well as its reckless sensationalism, to avoid further complicating the maritime situation.”
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