AFP chief to present Monday aerial photos showing Chinese expansion activities in WPS

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 19): AFP chief to present Monday aerial photos showing Chinese expansion activities in WPS

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang is set to present to media aerial photos Monday showing latest construction and reclamation projects of China in the West Philippine Sea.

"Gen. Catapang is very concerned about China's ongoing activities (hence the decision to make this public)," AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said.

He added that Chinese aggressiveness in the West Philippine Sea could have adverse economic and military implications aside from causing tensions in the sea lanes.

"And since those sealanes are international, that could affect world trade," Cabunoc stated.

"We want to tell the whole world, not only the Filipino people but the whole world that these issues, particularly the tensions caused by China’s massive reclamation activities have significant impact to all, " the AFP public affairs office chief added.

He added that it is vital that the whole world knows of China's ongoing activities as the AFP does not really know what will happen next once they have totally taken control of the disputed area.

However, Cabunoc clarified that the Philippines does not want the issue to escalate into a military confrontation.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=754241