AFP chief: China doing reclamation work in 3 areas within PHL exclusive ... - GMA News

China is doing reclamation work in seven reefs in the South China Sea, three of which are within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang said.

In a report GMA Radyo DZBB report, Catapang was quoted as saying that China is building up structures in Areas One, Five and Seven on the West Philippine Sea where the Mabini Reef (Johnson South Reef), Panganiban Reef (Mischief Reef) and Kennan Reef (Chigua Reef) are located.

Catapang said these three areas are within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

Catapang said it is not yet clear what type of structures China is building in these areas.

“Maybe we can go back (there) again to check...But I think they have some military or defense purpose,” Catapang said.

Catapang, however, admitted that all the military can do right now is to closely monitor China's reclamation projects as confronting the Chinese might escalate tension in the disputed waters.

“We continue to patrol and to resupply our troops out there in West Philippine Sea. But of course we would like to avoid a misencounter or miscalculation that will unnecessarily provoke the countries involved in the area,” Catapang said.

“What we would like to highlight here is it's not only the Philippines that should be concerned about what's happening in the West Philippine Sea but entire nations or countries all over the world,” Catapang added.

The Philippines has a pending diplomatic protest against China before the United Nations over reclamation in the South China Sea.

Catapang said that while the case is pending, the military will refrain from any action that may further escalate tension.

“Well its up to the Department of Foreign Affairs. Our job is just to know what's happening in the area and it's up to our national leaders to give us the marching orders of what to do,” Catapang said. — Elizabeth Marcelo/JDS, GMA News

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