(FILE PHOTO)
Metro Manila, Philippines — The US Embassy on Tuesday expressed concerns over ongoing reclamation projects in Manila Bay, including issues involving the environment.
In a statement, US Embassy spokesperson Kanishka Gangopadhyay said they are in constant communication with the Philippine government about how the projects could potentially negatively impact the environment, the resilience of Manila Bay and nearby areas to hazards, as well as commerce.
It also raised concerns over the involvement of a Chinese company in the projects.
“We are also concerned that the projects have ties to the China Communications Construction Co., which has been added to the US Department of Commerce’s Entity List for its role in helping the Chinese military construct and militarize artificial islands in the South China Sea,” the embassy said.
“The company has also been cited by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank for engaging in fraudulent business practices,” it added.
China Communications Construction Co. has yet to comment on the US Embassy’s statement, which came after an online story said Washington opposes the projects due in part to their link to the Chinese company.
“We continue to support high quality, sustainable, and transparent investments to benefit the Filipino people and will continue to engage with the appropriate authorities on this matter,” the embassy said.
