China has undertaken massive reclamation projects on islands in the region, including the construction of airstrips and military facilities, which has led to worldwide condemnation from countries with competing claims including the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia. It was acquired by the Philippine Navy in the 1970s.
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Security experts reportedly said that using Subic Bay would allow the Philippines to respond more quickly to territorial aggression in the disputed region, of which Beijing has claimed large swaths under its so-called “nine-dash” line that is not recognized by global bodies.
The Philippines said Tuesday it would fix the Sierra Madre which is at a shoal also claimed by China. “China strongly protests and firmly opposes such an act”, Hua said in a statement on Wednesday.
“The Chinese government is really confused because of their incessant twisting of the truth in their efforts [to mislead] the good Chinese people”. “But the Philippines have not only failed to deliver on its promise to tow away the ship but is increasing illegal activities on the reef in an attempt to occupy it forever”, she said.
Earlier, Philippine Navy spokesman Colonel Edgard Arevalo confirmed that the Philippines is doing “minor repairs” on the Ayungin vessel.
The Philippines sent a high-level team to The Hague, Netherlands last week to present arguments for its arbitration case against China’s expansive territorial claim. A decision on whether the United Nations court has jurisdiction over the issue is expected within the year.
China maintains the right to take further measures, Hua warned.
“I think they are the troublemakers and not us”, DND public affairs chief Arsenio Andolong said. It is being guarded by Marines stationed in BRP Sierra Madre, the remaining symbol of Philippine sovereignty in the area. It is well within its right to conduct simple repairs.
“You have to remember that the Sierra Madre is a vessel”.
Military officials denied reports that they are planning to construct a helipad on the BRP Sierra Madre. “But no helipad at the bow”, Western Command chief Vice Admiral Alexander Lopez said in a text message to reporters.
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Later, the Philippines’ Department of National Defense (DND) hit China for calling the Philippines a “trouble-maker”.
