NOT 1 BUT 5 | China carrying out land reclamation work in more areas in Spratly Islands

From InterAksyon (Jun 11): NOT 1 BUT 5 | China carrying out land reclamation work in more areas in Spratly Islands



Calderon Reef is seen in this Philippine Government photo circa 2003, when the Chinese started building the structures.

China is carrying out land reclamation operations in not just one but a total of five areas in the disputed Spratly Islands – areas that are well within the Philippine zone, according to sources.

The Aquino Administration had revealed in March that China was carrying out land reclamation activities in Mabini Reef, internationally known as Johnson South Reef, which is part of the Kalayaan Island Group. The Department of the Foreign Affairs released a series of photographs to show how the small Chinese garrison has been expanded to almost 9 hectares in just two years.

Then, there were speculations China would build an airstrip in Mabini Reef and once operational, Beijing can enforce an Air Defense Interdiction Zone (ADIZ).

Apparently, however, China was busy carrying out reclamation work in four more areas: Cuarteron Reef, Hughes Reef, Gaven Reef and Eldad Reef.

Senior Aquino administration officials confirmed to TV5 the Chinese activities, pointing out recent surveillance flights over the area confirmed the presence of dredging and “material displacement” ships. President Aquino has seen the surveillance photos, which were taken in March and April this year, and was reportedly surprised at the extent of China’s activities.

Despite these recent developments, President Aquino and Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua exchanged conciliatory statements at Tuesday night's twin celebrations hosted by the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII), and both stressed the territorial disputes do not define the “thousand-year-old friendship” of Manila and Beijing.

Senior Aquino Administration officials showed to TV5 the surveillance photos taken at Gaven Reef, Cuarteron Reef and Keenan Reef.

Work in progress at 3 reefs

At Gaven Reef, which the Philippines calls Burgos Reef, three dredgers and an ocean tug were seen. One of the dredgers, identified as Tian Jing Hao, has deployed a long hose to suck up seabed material and redistribute this to the reclaimed area. Another dredger, the Nina Hai Tuo, can also be seen working in another area of Gaven Reef.

China had built a troop and supply garrison at Gaven Reef as far back as 2003. The garrison has several gun emplacements, including a large bore naval gun. The garrison also had a platform where supply ships can dock.

Officials said the reclamation operations at Gaven Reef are expected to last to a month or more, “barring any environmental setbacks.”

At Hughes Reef, which the Philippines calls Kennan Reef, a lone dredger can be seen, and a sizeable area has already been reclaimed. Several construction equipment can be seen on the reclaimed area. China has built a permanent reef fortress and supply platform, which also have several gun emplacements and a helicopter landing pad.

At Cuarteron Reef, which the Philippines calls Calderon Reef, a dredger equipped with a long black house can be seen spreading seabed material over a wide area. The reclamation work is being done near the Chinese garrison which has been built up into a permanent reef fortress, which is equipped with radar and communications equipment.

At Eldad Reef, which the Philippines calls Malvar Reef, a ship can be seen anchored off the reef and a backhoe is seen moving seabed materials.

Philippine government officials estimate that reclamation activities at Calderon and Eldad reefs will last for a month.

At Johnson Reef, which the Philippines calls Mabini Reef, the reclamation work was completed last March. The reclaimed area is estimated to be around 90,000 square meters and the perimeter has been secured to prevent erosion.

Located in one corner of the reclaimed area is a Chinese garrison, which also serves as a communications and radar facilities and is equipped with naval guns. A helicopter landing pad was built in the garrison as well as a small dock.

Aquino, Zhao conciliatory

In their respective speeches Tuesday night before the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry on the occasion of Filipino – Chinese Friendship day, President Aquino and Ambassador Zhao expressed confidence that the disputes can be settled peacefully, though Zhao harped on bilateral negotiations as a mode - affirming Beijing's stand to reject arbitration in a UN tribunal where Manila had filed a complaint.

Ambassador Zhao described the Philippine-China territorial disputes as “temporary… compared with our thousand year old friendship and extensive cooperation.”

“China always attached great importance to its relationship with the Philippines, and I believe that we have the wisdom, the patience and the courage to settle the disputes through negotiations and consultations. I am fully confident about the future of China-Philippines relations,” Ambassador Zhao stressed.

President Aquino appeared to have been taken by surprise at Ambassador Zhao’s conciliatory tone, describing it as “very poignant and well thought.”

“Our relationships are based on so many more things, not just on this dispute, and that peace and stability are necessary component for our own – for everybody’s – progress,” the Chief Executive said in his extemporaneous remarks. He recalled that in his 2011 meeting with Chinese President  Hu Jintao, the latter reiterated maritime border issues and territorial disputes “should not be the sum total of our relationships.”

“To hear that reiterated today truly fills our heart,” the President added.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/88889/not-1-but-5--china-carrying-out-land-reclamation-work-in-more-areas-in-spratly-islands