Philippines challenges China to open Scarborough shoal for international inspection News
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center // Public domain
Philippines challenges China to open Scarborough shoal for international inspection

The Philippines challenged China on Monday to allow international scrutiny of the disputed Scarborough Shoal, according to the Philippines’ official news agency. The call was made during a press conference headed by the National Security Council (NSC) assistant director general, Jonathan Malaya, and Philippines Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Jay Tarriela. They accused China of destroying the marine environment around the shoal, including coral reefs.

Malaya said during the press conference:

In the face of China’s repeated denials, we call on China to open up Bajo de Masinloc to international inspection and we also call on third-party inspectors from relevant United Nations bodies or respected environmental organizations to determine the true situation therein in order to protect the environment

The accusation by the Philippines was made according to “incontrovertible proof” provided by PCG which includes evidence of the transportation of harvested giant clams, a protected species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and other marine animals from the Scarborough Shoal. Moreover, China has also allegedly been scouring the seabed in search of more giant clams, detrimental to the life of surrounding coral reefs. 

The Permanent Court of Arbitration previously rejected Beijing’s claim of sovereignty over the South China Sea in 2016, saying the claims made by China had no legal basis under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The international court also concluded China caused “irreparable harm” to the marine environment of the South China Sea through its conduct.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Congress passed legislation establishing post-WWII national security structure

On July 25, 1947, the National Security Act of 1947 was passed, establishing a linkage between the military and national security, and setting up the National Security Council (NSC), the CIA, the Department of Defense, and several other new agencies, including the National Military Establishment with three separate departments (the Army, the Navy and the new US Air Force), and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Learn more about the National Security Act of 1947.

Brunswick Manifesto proclaimed

On July 25, 1792, the Brunswick Manifesto was proclaimed by Charles William Ferdinand, the Duke of Brunswick during the French Revolutionary Wars. As leader of the forces allied against France, Ferdinand promised retribution against the citizens of Paris if the French Royal Family was harmed. Instead, the Manifesto further inflamed anti-royal sentiment in Paris.