(CNN Philippines) — About 20 activists from Kalikasan People’s Network for Environment held a protest rally on Monday (May 11) against the ecological destruction caused by China’s reclamation activities in the West Philippine Sea.
Flashing banners and placards that reads “China out of Philippine Sea,” the pro-environment group held the protest outside the Chinese embassy in Makati City as they used toy water pistols to spray a mock Chinese flag in a symbolic gesture to a water cannon incident between the Chinese coast guard and Filipino fishermen at a disputed shoal.
Recent satellite images showed China has made rapid progress in filling in land in contested territory in the Spratly islands and in building an airstrip suitable for military use and that it may be planning another.
“They continuously destroy our environment, the marine ecosystem in the Spratlys, and they continuously drive away Filipino fishermen who depend mostly on the livelihood there.” said the group’s national coordinator Clemente Bautista.
In April, the Philippines accused China of firing water cannons at Filipino fishermen at Scarborough Shoal. China defended its actions and said it was carrying out its duties to defend its maritime interests.
Beijing claims most of the potentially energy-rich South China Sea, through which $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei also have overlapping claims.
China has denied accusations its actions are provocative. It recently accused the Philippines, Vietnam and others of carrying out illegal building work in the South China Sea.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Watch: China reef work very costly for Philippines (Part 1)
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