Philippines starts Spratly Islands upgrades after months of tension with China
“The latest annual Philippine budget allocated 1.65 billion pesos (US$27 million) to develop the airport as well as 300 million pesos for work on a sheltered port.”
“More than 1 billion pesos has separately been earmarked for another sheltered port facility on Nanshan Island, which is around 160km (100 miles) east of Thitu Island.”
“The island, which is also claimed by Vietnam, sits about 500km (310 miles) west of the Philippine island of Palawan and sits at a strategically important position in the disputed waters.”
“Constructing a sheltered port on Nanshan Island is a practical decision for Manila, as it lies along the northern supply route connecting Palawan to Thitu Island,” said Bao.
“Meanwhile, Vietnam has recently undertaken a series of reclamation projects, and Malaysia has exploited the tourist potential of the disputed Swallow Reef by turning it into a popular diving destination.”
Full item on the South China Morning Post via Yahoo News.