Philippines files fourth protest over China reef ‘reclamation’ in disputed territory
Manila files fourth protest in three months over alleged land reclamation by Beijing in the disputed Spratly Islands territory of the South China Sea
The Philippines said on Saturday it had filed a protest with Beijing over its alleged reclaiming of land on a disputed South China Sea reef, the fourth such complaint in three months.
The new protest over reclamation at the McKeenan Reef in the Spratly Islands chain further heats up an increasingly tense dispute over the waters where China has been accused of using bullying tactics against other claimants.
Foreign department spokesman Charles Jose said in Manila the protest was filed last week. “They are doing reclamation work,” he said in a brief statement.
He did not say if China had responded.
The Philippines previously filed an objection against China in April after monitoring large-scale reclamation and earth-moving activity on Johnson South Reef, in which it said Beijing might be intending to turn the tiny outcrop into an island with an airstrip.
It later announced a similar challenge over China’s reclamation at Gaven and Cuateron Reef. China has previously brushed aside such protests, saying the outcrops are part of its territory.
