China’s claims that the Philippines caused significant environmental damage in the Ayungin Shoal due to an “illegally grounded” ship are part of its disinformation campaign, according to Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Maria Theresa Lazaro.
“I think this is all part of the disinformation process that China has always projected,” Lazaro addressed during the 8th Year Anniversary of 2016 Arbitral Award Conference in Manila.
“And I think there are so many other narratives that may come after that. That’s why we just have to be ready,” she added.
Lazaro highlighted that China’s accusations are not surprising since “this is something that we expect because this is the way that they move.”
The Foreign Affairs Undersecretary affirmed that the Philippines, through its NPF system, is ready to issue a statement in response.
Following the recent Bilateral Consultation Meeting (BCM), Lazaro assured that follow-ups with China are ongoing and it is “a work in progress.” She firmly stated that the DFA will not engage in any “gentleman’s agreements” with China.
“DFA will not deal, never will deal, on a gentleman’s agreement. There is none. There will never. Everything will be transparent,” Lazaro said.
At the same conference, former Justice Antonio Carpio argued it is China, not the Philippines, that is obstructing environmental restoration in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Using the example of China blocking resupply missions to BRP Sierra Madre, Carpio remarked that if China is truly concerned about the environment, “it should cease harassing our resupply ships, allowing us to repair the BRP Sierra Madre.”
He further pointed out that the 2016 arbitral ruling found China responsible for irreparable environmental harm due to its land reclamation and construction of artificial islands.
