Philippines-controlled reefs in Spratlys bare compared to those of China, Vietnam
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines occupies nine features in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea but only one feature has an airstrip.
Satellite images from Washington-based Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) show that Vietnam has the most number of facilities in the Spratly Islands.
According to AMTI's island tracker, Vietnam has built facilities on 21 rocks and reefs in the Spratly Islands, along with 14 isolated platforms on six underwater banks that it does not consider part of the disputed island chain. However, China and Taiwan consider it part of the Spratlys.
The Philippines only has one airstrip on Pag-asa (Thitu) Island, one of the largest features in the Spratlys.
Other Manila-controlled features in the island group such as Rizal (Commodore) Reef, Patag (Flat) Island, Melchora Aquino (Loaita) Cay, Kota (Loaita) Island, Lawak (Nanshan) Island, Parola (Northeast Cay) Island and Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal remain bare.
In August 2017, there have been reports that Chinese vessels, including fishing, coast guard and navy ships had been operating near Pag-asa Island.
RELATED: Photos confirm Chinese flotilla near Pag-asa
Magdalo Partylist Rep. Gary Alejano warned that China may have a plan to occupy sandbars west of Pag-asa based on its actions in the area.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano then said that the reported presence of Chinese ships near the Manila-claimed island in Palawan should not be a cause for alarm.
"Why were we not concerned about the US doing freedom of navigation, ang lalaki ng ships nila. You know why? Kasi they’re our allies so if we keep looking at China as the enemy, every time na may movement sila masyado tayong nag-re-react," Cayetano said.
Meanwhile, China has seven outposts in the Spratlys — Calderon (Cuarteron) Reef, Kagitingan (Fiery Cross) Reef, Burgos (Gaven) Reefs, McKennan (Hughes) Reef, Johnson Reef, Panganiban (Mischief) Reef and Zamora (Subi) Reef.
The Philippines' Southeast Asian neighbor Malaysia occupies five features in the Spratly Islands clustered in the southern portion of the archipelago. These are Antonio Luna (Ardasier) Reef, Gabriela Silang (Erica) Reef, Pawikan (Investigator) Shoal, Mariveles Reef and Celerio (Swallow) Reef.
On the other hand, Taiwan has reclaimed about eight acres of land to construct a new wharf on its lone outpost in the Spratly Islands, Ligao (Itu Aba) Island. It is the largest natural feature in the island group.
A recent report from American network CNBC confirmed that China has stepped up its militarization in Spratlys after quietly deploying missile systems on Fiery Cross, Mischief and Subi Reefs.
The Philippine government, however, insists on confirming the report themselves but admitted that the country does not have the technology to confirm the report.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said that the Department of Foreign Affairs will exercise all diplomatic initiatives to address China's actions in the South China Sea, part of which is the West Philippine Sea.
Reiterating sovereignty over the region, Beijing stressed that the deployment of such weapons is meant to safeguard the country's security.
"The relevant deployment targets no one. Anyone with no invasive intention will find no reason to worry about this," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.
RELATED: 'To verify' or 'can't verify?' Malacañang shifts rhetoric on Chinese missiles
Related video:
- Latest
- Trending
