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BY ADRIAN STEWART CO
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February 9, 2018
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MANILA – Someday the Philippines will be thankful to China for the artificial islands it has built in the disputed Spratlys in the South China Sea, according to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque.
But when?
When the Chinese would peacefully leave the contested islands, said Roque.
“Clearly, eventually, those artificial islands will be ours if we can ask China to leave,” he said. “There is still no breach of the good faith obligation for as long as China has not embarked on new reclamation.”
A report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer showed close-up images of almost-complete military facilities on seven artificial islands China has been building and improving.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration had nullified China’s claim over the West Philippine Sea. President Rodrigo Duterte, however, set aside the ruling and courted Beijing for investments.
China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei have overlapping claims in the South China Sea where $5 trillion in trade goods pass annually. The area is also believed to contain oil and gas reserves.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China have agreed to start negotiations on a code of conduct on the South China Sea in March./PN
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