MANILA, Philippines – China is making up stories to cover up the massive destruction to marine life and the environment caused by Chinese reclamation projects in the disputed Spratlys, defense officials said.
Peter Paul Galvez, Department of National Defense (DND) spokesman, said China has resorted to concocting lies to defend its illegal and destructive reclamation activities in the region.
“If there is one thing we are certain of, we know that they are very good at crafting stories and misleading statements,” Galvez said, referring to China’s recent claim that other claimant countries, specifically the Philippines and Vietnam, are also conducting reclamation activities in the region.
Palawan-based Western Command (Wescom) commander Vice Admiral Alexander Lopez said that what the government is doing in Pag-Asa Island and on other outposts within the the Philippine-occupied Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) are routine maintenance of existing structures, specifically the living quarters of soldiers.