By Jaime Laude
MANILA, Philippines - China has expressed concern over President Duterte’s directive to the military to occupy nine islands in the Spratlys under the Philippines’ control.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying raised her country’s concern at a regular press briefing yesterday as Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Eduardo Año declared the military’s readiness to carry out Duterte’s order, as well as its plans to upgrade and improve facilities on islands already occupied by the AFP.
“We hope the Philippi ne side can continue to properly manage maritime disputes with China and safeguard together the sound and stable situation of China-Philippines relations,” Hua said.
She also aired Beijing’s resolve to “firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty, its maritime rights and interests” in the South China Sea, which is rich in resources and hosts vital shipping lanes.
“That’s an order from the President and I intend to carry that out. As per arbitration ruling that’s ours, so we don’t see any problem,” Año said, referring to a ruling by a UN-backed arbitral tribunal reaffirming the Philippines’ maritime entitlements and invalidating China’s excessive nine-dash line claim.
Read the full story at PhilStar