Manila: The National Maritime Council (NMC) on Saturday criticized China's disinformation campaign, following claims that it seized control of Sandy Cay (Pag-asa Cay 2), a sandbar near Pag-asa Island within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

According to Philippines News Agency, the NMC expressed concern that the Chinese government is utilizing its state-controlled media to mislead both its citizens and the international community regarding its activities in the West Philippine Sea. The NMC labeled the alleged takeover of Sandy Cay, a part of Philippine national territory, as a disinformation exercise. This move included displaying the Chinese flag and conducting waste collection, suggesting China's control over the area.

The NMC reiterated the Philippines' commitment to protecting its maritime domain and countering false claims that undermine the country's sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction. The organization highlighted that environmental degradation around Pag-asa Island is largely due to the illegal presence of Chinese vessels and the impact of China's artificial island construction at Zamora Reef, which is part of the territorial sea of Pag-asa Island.

The NMC urged China to adhere to its international obligations, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award. It also called for the proper implementation of the 2002 Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

The council emphasized that the Philippines will consistently seek peaceful resolutions to disputes while maintaining its lawful activities in the West Philippine Sea in accordance with international law. Reports from Beijing's state media indicated that the Chinese Coast Guard had imposed maritime control over Sandy Cay the previous month.

Sandy Cay, or Pag-asa Cay 2, is a sandbar located west of Pag-asa Island in the Kalayaan Island Group. China claims the maritime feature, referring to it as Tiexian Jiao. In response, the Philippine Navy, Coast Guard, and National Police-Maritime Group conducted a routine visit to Sandy Cay and nearby waters to counter China's narrative. The Philippines also raised its flag on Sandy Cay to assert its sovereign rights over the area.