Philippines to protest to China over airbase

manila — The Philippines will make a diplomatic protest to China, which the southeast Asian nation’s defence minister described as having reneged on a promise not to militarise artificial islands in the busy South China Sea waterway.

The United States has criticised China’s build-up of military facilities on the artificial islands and is concerned they could be used to restrict free movement along the key trade route.

Philippine Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana’s comment followed a December 30 broadcast of aerial footage by the official China Central Television (CCTV) showing Fiery Cross Reef, which appeared to have been transformed into an airbase. “The Chinese government said some time ago that they were not going to militarise those reclaimed islands,” Lorenzana told reporters, adding that the protest would be made through the foreign ministry.

“If it is true and we can prove that they have been putting soldiers and even weapons systems, that will be a violation of what they said.”

Asked about the protest, China’s foreign ministry spokesman said the construction was on the country’s territory and was intended to aid peace in the region, as well as maritime safety and disaster prevention.

“Of course, China also needs to

If it is true and we can prove that they have been putting soldiers and even weapons systems, that will be a violation of what they said.” Delfin Lorenzana, Philippine Defence Secretary

construct necessary defence equipment for its territory,” the spokesman, Lu Kang, told a regular briefing on Tuesday. “The relevant equipment is not directed at any particular country.”

China and the Philippines have long sparred over the South China Sea, but relations have improved considerably under President Rodrigo Duterte, who has been courting Beijing in hopes of winning business and investment.

China has assured the Philippines it will not occupy new features or territory in the South China Sea, under a new “status quo” brokered by Manila as both sides try to strengthen their relations.

Reports about China militarising reclaimed islands were not new, presidential spokesman Harry Roque told a regular news briefing.

“We have always been against the militarisation of the area,” he added. “It is certainly not OK, because it constitutes a further threat to peace and security in area.” —