At last Manila realized the need of repairing the crumbling ship serving as Philippines’ outpost in the West Philippine Sea, but Beijing seemed to not like the move of the country even branding the Philippines as a “hypocritical troublemaker and rule breaker.”
Beijing pursues its rapid construction of artificial island in the disputed West Philippine Sea saying all of it would serve military as well as civilian purposes.
The 100-meter World War II-vintage BRP Sierra Madre afloat Ayungin Shoal since 1999 as post to remind China, but it is not stopping China which have four years earlier occupied the Philippine-claimed Panganiban Reef.
According to Co. Edgard Arevalo, Philippine Navy Spokesman, the “rust-ridden vessel” was being repaired to ensure the ship remains livable for a tiny unit of Marines guarding the reefs.
However, Beijing lambasted Manila for this move.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying earlier accused Manila for attempting to “permanently steal” the outcrops as insisting that the reefs and other islets in the Spratlys were of China.
“China strongly protests and firmly opposes such an act,” Hua said in a statement on Wednesday.
The Philippines has already asked the United Nations-backed tribunal to declare China’s territorial claims as illegal.
As the world eyes on the rising conflict on the disputed sea, Hua said China was “determined to protect its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.”
“We again urge the Philippines to immediately stop its illegal infringement activities and live up to its promise by removing the vessel,” she said
Hua disclosed that Beijing “reserves the right to take further steps.”
H/T: Inquirer.net; and photo.