China Reclamations Have Serious National, Global Security Implications — Trillanes

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Tuesday expressed concerns over the serious national and even global security implications that would be created by China’s reclamation operations in the West Philippine Sea.

“China’s continued reclamation operations have serious national and even global security implications,” Trillanes said in a press statement.

Trillanes, a former Navy officer, said the Philippine government should reassess its foreign policy position and national defense plans “to make sure we are prepared for any contingency scenario.”

A week ago, Trillanes filed Senate Resolution No. 1269 seeking Senate inquiry into the China’s alleged land reclamations and dredging operations in the disputed territories in the West Philippine Sea.

The DFA has lodged a protest with China concerning the land reclamation activities.

The protest includes the note verbale handed to Chinese Embassy representatives which expressed the Philippines’ strong objection to the stepped-up Chinese building activities at Kagitingan Reef (Fiery Cross Reef), including the plan to build an airstrip on top of land dredged from around the area.

The surveillance photos of five reefs in the Spratlys also show an advanced stage of construction of a military facility, based on the configuration and the fixed structural design of the buildings.

The Philippine military believes this construction to be part of China’s support naval and air asset operations in the area. (PNA) JBP/JFM