The Philippines’ Department of National Defense (DND) has instructed the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to increase their presence in the West Philippines Sea (WPS) in response to reports of additional Chinese activity in the region. The announcement was made on Thursday.
The Philippines’ Department of National Defense (DND) issued a statement on Thursday in response to a report by Bloomberg that China is building new structures and conducting land reclamation on at least four unoccupied features in the Spratly Islands, including Eldad Reef, Whitsun Reef, Lankiam Cay, and Sandy Cay. The DND emphasized that any encroachment in the West Philippines Sea (WPS) or reclamation on its features threatens the security of Pag-asa Island, which is part of the Philippine sovereign territory and is located within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Eldad and Whitsun Reefs are located approximately 48 and 60 nautical miles, respectively, from Pag-asa Island.
 has instructed the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to increase their presence in the West Philippines Sea (WPS) in response to reports of additional Chinese activity in the region. The announcement was made on Thursday.){kind=link}
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