China denied that it is conducting reclamation activities in Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea following reports from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) that it is building an artificial island there.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin stressed that the Philippines’ accusation “is sheer rumor,” and an “irresponsible claim designed to vilify China and mislead the international community.”
In a press conference Monday night, Wang said none of the Philippines’ attempts to spread rumors will succeed.
“China urges the Philippines to stop making irresponsible remarks, face up to the facts and return to the right track of properly handling maritime disputes through negotiation and consultation,” the Chinese official added.
PCG spokesman Jay Tarriela said the agency deployed a ship to the shoal, a meet-up point for ships carrying out resupply missions to the grounded Sierra Madre, to prevent China from its reclamation activity.
The move came after PCG discovered piles of dead and crushed coral that were dumped on the sandbars of Sabina Shoal.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines said PCG’s move to deploy BRP Teresa Magbanua, its largest one, deterred China’s attempt to reclaim the area.