Constant illegal swarming of Chinese vessels around Pagasa Island and its Cays cause degradation in its environment, the National Maritime Council (NMC) said on Saturday.

The Council issued its statement in response to China's alleged seizure of Pag-asa Cay 2 (Sandy Cay) in the West Philippine Sea which it describe "as a clear example of the disinformation activities of the Chinese Government, where it made it appear that China has effective control of the cay by displaying its flag and conducting waste collection."

"The degradation of the environment around Pag-asa Island and its cays is largely caused by the constant illegal swarming of Chinese vessels in the area and the damaging impact of China’s massive artificial island-building in Zamora Reef (Subi Reef), a low-tide elevation that forms part of the territorial sea of Pag-asa Island and its Cays.

"The Philippines urges China to comply with its obligations under international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, as well as properly implement the 2002 Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea," it stated.

Amid the ongoing tension in the West Philippine Sea, the Council also assures that "the Philippines will consistently pursue peaceful means for resolving disputes and constructive approaches to managing differences, while also continuing its lawful and routine activities in the West Philippine Sea, consistent with its maritime entitlements under international law." Robina Asido/DMS