China intimidates Philippine reconstruction on Thitu Island
The Philippines has been constructing a new beaching ramp on Thitu Island in the South China Sea, a move that has drawn firm resistance from its supposed new friend, China. The latter activated dozens of vessels, including those from the China Coast Guard and the People’s Liberation Army Navy, to intimidate Manila’s activities on the island.
On 4 February, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana revealed that the ramp would be finished in early 2019. It will allow construction materials and equipment to be delivered to this largest of the Philippines’ nine features in the Spratly Islands.
One urgent need is to
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