China project on 4 disputed reefs 50% complete — AFP

From the Daily Tribune (Jan 9): China project on 4 disputed reefs 50% complete — AFP

China is 50 percent complete of its ongoing reclamation on four disputed reefs in the West Philippine Sea.

This was bared by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang during a gathering with Camp Aguinaldo reporters Wednesday afternoon.

“If you quantify it, maybe about 50 percent completed,” Catapang said.

China is currently conducting reclamation activities on Mabini, Chigua, Cuarteron and Burgos reefs in the West Philippine Sea. Many believe that Beijing is building military and tourism facilities in the area.

Catapang, however, admitted that the Chinese reclamation is alarming.

 

“Alarming in the sense that it could be used for other purposes other than for peaceful use,” he added.

According to Catapang, the military’s Western Command, based in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, is closely monitoring Chinese activities in the West Philippine Sea where the disputed Kalayaan islands Group (KIGs) or the Spratlys are located.

“We know that there is still ongoing reclamation in the area and we are just awaiting decision of the Itlos (International Tribunal for the law of the Sea), and the government is confident any decision that would be make would be favorable to our country,” Catapang said.

Last year, the Philippine government filed a formal memorial against China before the Itlos as part of the Aquino administration’s peaceful approach of resolving the West Philippine Sea dispute.

Manila also filed several diplomatic protests against Beijing for alarming number of incursions into Philippine-claimed territories in the West Philippine Sea.

The Philippines had protested China’s ongoing reclamation activities at the Burgos (Gaven) Reef, Kennan (Chigua) Reef and Calderon (Cuarteron) Reef.

Catapang said that Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin has told the AFP top brass to “prepare yourself for territorial defense.”

The AFP chief said that the military has already started forming synergy among its major services commands –the Army, Navy and the Air Force, to enhance joint operation capabilities. He also cited the ongoing acquisition of modern military hardware under the AFP modernization program.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/china-project-on-4-disputed-reefs-50-complete-afp