14/04/2015
The Philippines on Monday condemned anew China's reclamation in the South China Sea and issued a warning against "irreversible" damage to ecology the activities may cause.
In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) remarked on the expansion within Philippine-claimed waters that allegedly violates international law and affects bioversity and ecological balance adversely.
"We cannot accept China's claim that its activities has not caused damage to the ecological environment of the South China Sea," the DFA said.
The agency also called attention to China's disregard for those who depend on the waters for their livelihood.
"China has pursued these activities unilaterally, disregarding peoples in the surrounding states who have depended on the sea for their livelihood for generations," it said.
"The destruction of 300 acres of coral reef systems resulting from the reclamations is estimated to lead to economic losses to coastal states valued at $100 million annually," the DFA added.
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