BEIJING has dismissed as “fabrication” allegations that Chinese fishermen were using cyanide to destroy the Filipinos’ fishing grounds in the Bajo de Masinloc atoll in the South China Sea.
The Philippines and China both claim Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal as part of their territory. However, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman, Mao Ning, stated that China has indisputable sovereignty over Huangyan Dao (Scarborough Shoal) and its adjacent waters.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) recently reported that Chinese fishermen have been using cyanide to intentionally destroy the traditional fishing grounds of Filipino fishermen. In response, Mao emphasized that the Chinese government prioritizes the protection of the eco-environment and the conservation of fishing resources. He stated that China resolutely fights against fishing activities that violate laws and regulations.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila released a transcript of Mao’s briefing to local media, calling the allegations “continuous disinformation” that only exacerbates maritime tensions and destabilizes bilateral relations. The embassy criticized the spokespersons of relevant Philippine agencies for their “groundless speculations, slanders, and inconsistent statements,” questioning their professionalism and credibility. It urged the Philippine agencies to handle maritime issues seriously and work towards safeguarding bilateral relations, peace, and stability in the South China Sea.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed his belief in the allegations and stated that the Philippines would file a case against China if there is enough evidence of cyanide fishing in the Bajo de Masinloc. He acknowledged that cyanide fishing has occurred in the Philippines in the past, but emphasized that it has become more prevalent recently.
The BFAR has also reported that Vietnamese fishers also use cyanide in Bajo de Masinloc. The use of cyanide has caused significant damage to the atoll’s coral reefs, compromising the entire marine ecosystem, including the waters of other countries.
In October last year, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla mentioned the possibility of filing an environmental case against China. He stated that the Philippines has evidence of the environmental damage caused by China and that it is a matter of organizing the evidence and presenting it to the proper tribunal. The Philippines’ position is supported by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
China’s construction of artificial islands in the South China Sea, including Cuarteron Reef, Fiery Cross Reef, Subi Reef, Hughes Reef, Gaven Reef, Johnson Reef, and Mischief Reef, has further reinforced its territorial claims. While both Manila and Beijing are signatories to UNCLOS, a 2016 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration rejected China’s claims in the South China Sea. However, China refuses to recognize the arbitral ruling.
In conclusion, China has dismissed the allegations of cyanide fishing in the South China Sea as “fabrication.” The Philippines plans to file a case against China if there is sufficient evidence. The use of cyanide by Chinese and Vietnamese fishermen has caused significant damage to the marine ecosystem in Bajo de Masinloc. The dispute over territorial claims in the South China Sea remains a contentious issue between the two countries, despite the ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
Source: The Manila Times
