PH lashes at China for 'disinformation' in its attempt to seize Sandy Cay

The Philippines has blasted China over its disinformation campaign through state-controlled media that intends to mislead its people and the international community over its claims that it has seized Sandy Cay.

- By RAYMUND ANTONIO

The cay is a tiny sandbank near Pagasa Island where a Philippine military facility is located. It lies four nautical miles from Pagasa Island.

"The Philippines is firm in protecting its vast maritime domain, and is unwavering in fighting false allegations that detract from the country's lawful exercise of its sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction," the National Maritime Council (NMC) said in a statement on Saturday, May 3.

"Through its state-controlled media, China uses disinformation to mislead its own people and the international community about the continuing illegality of its activities in the West Philippine Sea," it added.