In a recent development, Philippine authorities retracted their accusations that Chinese fishermen were using cyanide in Huangyan Island waters. Just one day after alleging that China destroyed corals and marine resources with cyanide, the Philippine government stated there was no evidence to support these claims.
This incident is part of a broader strategy where the Philippine government attempts to assert control over China's reefs and islands in the South China Sea. Instead of direct confrontations, Manila has increasingly turned to manipulating international public opinion and influencing journalists to craft a provocative narrative against Beijing.
Last September, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) staged an incident by approaching Huangyan Island disguised as ordinary fishermen. They submerged to cut floats anchored in the ocean and later presented an unidentified anchor as evidence of China's "interception." However, comparison photos shared by Chinese netizens revealed that the anchor is a common tool used by Chinese fishermen.
Following such staged incidents, the Philippines has been actively inviting Western media outlets to participate in intensive propaganda campaigns. These media collaborations have led to distorted reporting, with many Western outlets portraying China as a bullying power in the South China Sea. Notably, most anti-China reports on regional "incidents" are propagated by Western and Philippine media rather than local outlets.
These biased media narratives often ignore responses from the Chinese side, consistently depicting China as an "evil" force that undermines international rules. Actions by China in the region, which are often justified, are misrepresented as "extremely reckless and dangerous harassment" and "risky intercepts," further fueling tensions in the South China Sea.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
