The Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command revealed on Tuesday that there is no truth to China’s earlier statement that it has stopped its reclamation activities over the disputed West Philippine Sea.
According to an official statement released by Western Command head Vice Admiral Alexander Lopez said that China is still conducting construction activities in the disputed territory despite the continous pressure from the Philippines and the international communities worldwide.
The Wertern Command head was quoted as saying “They told the world that they have completed four reclamation projects but they never did announce that they have stopped their construction works. It’s just technicalities,” Lopez said.
Vice Admiral Lopez, however, clarified that the Chinese have stopped all reclamation activities but are now conducting vertical construction activities in Mischief, Subi and Fiery Cross Reefs.
The construction in the above-mentioned areas are “going full blast,” and noted that the facilities being constructed in the areas may be used for humanitarian and military use. The said facilities in the disputed islands are expected to be completed by the end of the year.