China builds 'artificial island', Philippines sends ships
The Philippines recently deployed ships to a disputed area in the South China Sea, where it accused China of constructing an artificial island. The Philippine Coast Guard dispatched a vessel to monitor alleged illegal activities, including the creation of an artificial island.
This action comes amid ongoing tensions between the two nations over conflicting claims in the region. 3 trillion dollars worth of trade passes annually through the South China Sea. China claims nearly all vital waterways, but parts are claimed by the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam.
On some islands China is building military facilities. The Philippines wants to assess the environmental impact, particularly concerning coral deposits by the Chinese.
(PP/Source: South China Morning Post, Reuters/Illustration picture: Unsplash)
