DND: China 'blatantly disregarding' code of conduct in South China Sea

MANILA, Philippines - China’s reclamation in the West Philippine Sea reflects its “blatant disregard” of the Declaration of Conduct (DOC) of claimants involved in the territorial row, the Department of National Defense (DND) said on Thursday.

DND spokesman Peter Galvez noted that the DOC signed in 2002 clearly prohibits activities that would cause tensions and change the status quo in disputed areas.

“We're so worried. From the start, this has caused serious concern. But we are holding on to our diplomatic protest and the arbitration to address these issues,” Galvez said in an interview.

“This is an indisputable proof of blatant disregard of the agreement reached with China,” he added, referring to the DOC.

Galvez said he has seen photos showing mall-like structures being built in Burgos (Gaven) and Calderon (Cuarteron) Reefs. Both reefs are located within the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone.

“In Cuarteron, the building is as huge as MoA (Mall of Asia). They also built an airstrip. In Gaven, the structure is as huge as (SM) North Edsa,” Galvez said.

Galvez said the photos were only taken last month. He maintained that the Philippines would continue to adhere to the DOC while asserting its territorial rights through peaceful means.

China has stepped up construction projects in disputed areas to assert its territorial claim, which spans virtually the entire West Philippine Sea.

The Asian superpower is achieving significant progress in its construction projects in Kennan (Hughes), Mabini (Johnson South) and Burgos (Gaven) Reefs, areas that are within Philippine territory.

The Philippines, one of the weakest in the region in terms of military might, has challenged China’s “excessive” territorial claim before an international arbitral tribunal.

The Chinese government has defended the reclamation in disputed areas, saying these are not directed against any country.

"We are not like some countries which have carried out 'illegal building' in other people's home, and we won't accept unwarranted remarks about work on our own home," Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in a recent press conference in Beijing.