Philippine officials say China island-building in full swing
PUERTO PRINCESA (Philippines) — Philippine officials say China is pressing ahead with the construction of artificial islands on at least two reefs that are also claimed by Manila despite Beijing's pronouncement that some work would end soon.
An aerial file photo taken though a glass window of a Philippine military plane shows the alleged on-going land reclamation by China on Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, west of Palawan, Philippines May 11, 2015. Photo: Reuters
PUERTO PRINCESA (Philippines) — Philippine officials say China is pressing ahead with the construction of artificial islands on at least two reefs that are also claimed by Manila despite Beijing's pronouncement that some work would end soon.
Mayor Eugenio Bito-onon from Kalayaan island, which is under Philippine control in the disputed Spratly chain of the South China Sea, said today (June 26) that he flew near the Chinese-controlled Subi Reef and saw that construction was in full swing with many dredgers and a huge crane visible on the emerging man-made island.
Two senior Philippine military officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to the media, say China's island-building has also continued at Mischief Reef, based on recent surveillance flights.
Chinese Embassy officials in Manila did not immediately comment. AP
Stay in the know. Anytime. Anywhere.
Subscribe to get daily news updates, insights and must reads delivered straight to your inbox.
By clicking subscribe, I agree for my personal data to be used to send me TODAY newsletters, promotional offers and for research and analysis.
