The US has raised concerns over major land reclamation projects in Manila Bay, particularly due to the involvement of a Chinese company blacklisted by Washington.
The reclamations, approved by the Philippine government and mainly conducted by real estate companies seeking to construct upscale hotels, casinos, and entertainment centers, have sparked protests by environmental groups.
US Raises Alarms Over Manila Bay Reclamation Projects
The US Embassy also highlighted worries about the potential environmental impact and long-term consequences of these projects in discussions with Philippine officials. The US Embassy expressed deep concerns about the environmental consequences of the land reclamations in Manila Bay.
These projects, intended to accommodate luxury facilities, could have adverse effects on the area’s ecosystem, resilience to natural hazards, and commerce.
Environmental groups have voiced opposition to the government-approved initiatives, which aim to create artificial islands for commercial purposes but raise alarm about further pollution and potential disruption to marine life in the bay.
A significant source of concern for the US is the involvement of the China Communications Construction Co. (CCCC) in the Manila Bay projects. CCCC is a state-owned company and has ties to the Chinese military, leading to its inclusion on the US Department of Commerce’s Entity List.
This listing restricts the company’s ability to trade with U.S. firms without obtaining a special license.
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Geopolitical Tensions Soar
The US has previously accused CCCC of assisting the Chinese military in constructing and militarizing artificial islands in the contentious South China Sea, adding to the sensitivity of its role in Manila Bay’s developments.
Retired Philippine Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio, a vocal critic of China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea, demanded a ban on Chinese companies involved in dredging and land reclamation projects in the Philippines. He accused these companies of violating Philippine environmental laws and aiding China’s seizure of Philippine island territories and maritime zones.
Justice Carpio’s stance reflects the ongoing tension between China and the Philippines over sovereignty and territorial rights in the disputed waters.
The contested waters of the South China Sea have become a complex arena for geopolitical competition between the US and China.
While the US does not claim territorial rights in the region, it emphasizes the importance of freedom of navigation and the peaceful resolution of long-standing disputes for global trade and regional stability.
China, on the other hand, has transformed several reefs into fortified island bases, challenging international rulings and increasing tensions with neighboring claimants and the US.
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