PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines— China is pressing ahead with the construction of artificial islands on at least two reefs that are also claimed by the Philippines in an increasingly tense territorial dispute, Filipino officials said, despite Beijing’s pronouncement that some work would end soon.
Mayor Eugenio Bito-onon of Kalayaan islands, which are under Philippine control, said Friday he saw Chinese construction in full swing with many dredgers and huge cranes visible when he flew last week near Subi Reef.
It’s one of at least seven reefs and atolls in the West Philippine Sea where the U.S. and the Philippines have expressed concern that …read more
Source: Kabayan Weekly
