Chinese base to arise from Johnson South Reef -- DND chief

From the Philippine News Agency (May 15): Chinese base to arise from Johnson South Reef -- DND chief

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Voltaire Gazmin on Thursday said that the ongoing Chinese construction activity in Johnson South Reef will definitely result in the completion of a base.

"(And) for whatever purpose we still do not know, but we are almost sure that there will be be a base (at Johnson South Reef)," he said.

Johnson South Reef lies about 263 nautical miles away from Puerto Princesa City, Palawan and 190 nautical miles from the tip of Balabac, also in Palawan.

Aerial photos obtained by Philippine air patrols revealed that the Chinese are conducting "earth moving" activities in the area.

Gazmin said construction works were spotted sometime in February.

The DND said the activity contravenes the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, which was signed by China and members of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) on November 4, 2002.

"This activity contravenes the spirit of the DOC and a security concern of all the region," DND spokesperson Dr. Peter Paul Galvez said of the ongoing construction works in Johnson South Reef.

The DOC which was signed by the Philippines, Myanmar, Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, Thailand, Cambodia, and China, stipulates that all parties involved will exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability.

This includes refraining from action of inhabiting the presently uninhabited islands, reefs, shoals, cays, and other features and to handle their differences in a constructive manner.

"These provocative acts, which they should immediately stop, further disturbs the fabric of regional peace and stability," Galvez said.

Gazmin added that this incident furthers spells the need for the Philippine military to modernize its capabilities.

He added that the ongoing "Balikatan" exercises, which is schedule to end this May 16, is one way to address these deficiencies.

Sources said the Armed Forces of the Philippines currently lacks modern aircraft and ships to protect its vast territorial waters.

Aside from this, existing units have limited radar equipment, making it difficult to spot and detect intruders on a timely fashion.

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