The US is concerned with blacklisted Chinese firm’s hand in island-building near its Manila embassy

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The United States has raised concerns about the involvement of a Chinese firm, blacklisted by Washington, in significant land reclamation projects in close proximity to its fortified embassy in Manila Bay, according to a statement from the U.S. Embassy.

The spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy, Kanishka Gangopadhyay, also indicated that the U.S. had voiced apprehensions about the potential environmental impact of these ongoing land reclamation projects during discussions with officials from the Philippine government.

Multiple environmental organizations have staged demonstrations against these government-sanctioned reclamation projects, largely driven by property developers who intend to establish luxurious hotels, casinos, restaurants, and entertainment hubs on man-made islands in the historically polluted bay. Another concern raised is the potential obstruction of Manila Bay’s renowned sunset views by skyscrapers built on reclaimed land.

Gangopadhyay’s statement outlined U.S. worries about potential irreversible environmental damage, reduced resilience to natural disasters in Manila and surrounding regions, and impacts on commerce. “Our concerns also extend to the links these projects have with the China Communications Construction Co., which is on the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Entity List due to its contributions to the construction and militarization of artificial islands in the South China Sea by the Chinese military,” he said.

There has been no immediate response from Chinese government representatives.

Companies from China that are included on this list face restrictions in their business dealings with U.S. companies unless they secure a special license, which is notoriously hard to obtain. The U.S. sanctions are considered unlawful by China.

China Communications Construction Co., a state-owned entity, has acknowledged the involvement of its subsidiary, China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd., in a project that involves the creation of three artificial islands near suburban Pasay city in the capital region.

The United States does not stake a claim in the South China Sea, but it has stated that freedom of navigation and overflight in this strategically crucial passageway—through which a significant portion of global trade traverses—as well as the peaceful resolution of long-standing disputes, align with U.S. national interests.

China has converted at least seven disputed reefs into fortified island bases over the last decade, causing alarm among U.S. allies and other countries that have territorial disputes with Beijing, thus escalating tension in a region viewed as a potential Asian hotspot.

These long-standing territorial disagreements have emerged as a sensitive aspect of the U.S.-China rivalry. U.S. military ships and aircraft have patrolled the contested waters to contest China’s extensive territorial claims, often eliciting warnings from China for the U.S. to halt its interference in the disputes or risk unspecified punitive measures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Land Reclamation in Manila Bay

More about Land Reclamation in Manila Bay

• BBC News – Asia
• U.S. Department of State
• South China Morning Post
• Reuters – China
• CNN – Asia