China build up in West Philippine Sea illegal – DFA

From the Manila Times (Dec 28): China build up in West Philippine Sea illegal – DFA

“IT’S a violation of the international law.” This was how the Department of Foreign Affairs or the DFA described the recent move by the Chinese government to continuously develop an expansive area of the disputed West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). China has expanded its claim over the disputed territory through the establishment of a new city called “Sansha” under its southern Hainan province.

But Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez explained that the establishment of Sansha City was China’s “way of reinforcing their nine-dash line claim” over West Philippine Sea. He said that such move is considered “excessive and a violation of international law” and will not gain validity for China. The tensions in the West Philippine Sea flared up once again when China announced that it will invest at least $1.6 billion for the construction of a harbor, an airport and other facilities in the disputed territory.

Apart from China and the Philippines, other countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have standing claims over some areas in the West Philippine Sea. Hernandez further said that China’s move is “giving a lot of concerns among nation states not only in the region but as far as the international community is concerned.” In April this year, China and the Philippines engaged in a standoff when the Philippine navy intercepted some Chinese vessels sailing into Panatag Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal), which is being claimed by the latter.

http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/nation/38239-china-build-up-in-west-philippine-sea-illegal-dfa