The Philippines on Tuesday dared China to allow international bodies to inspect the environment around Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea amid accusations China was conducting harmful activities in the area. National Security Council (NSC) Assistant Director-General and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said that even as the Philippines is making the call, it expects China to deny that it has wrought environmental damage to the shoal.

Kabagani, L. J., Piatos, T. C., & Formoso, C. A. (2024, May 22). China dared to open ‘despoiled’ Scarborough Shoal to inspection. Daily Tribune, p. A6.