China expands its footprint in the South China Sea

“WHAT will I do? Declare a war against China?” An aggressive new expansion by Beijing into the South China Sea has rattled Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte.

The controversial president said overnight that his militarily inferior country can’t stop China’s expansionist actions in contested waters.

He pointed out even the might of the United States was not deterring Beijing.

Beijing has already reclaimed large areas around several islets and reefs in the Spratly archipelago and elsewhere in the South China Sea, as well as installing military facilities on some of them.

However analysts warn that building on Scarborough Shoal would radically change the situation since it is just 230km from Luzon, the most populous island in the Philippines.

Duterte’s outburst comes after reports China plans to do exactly that.

Source: China expands its footprint in the South China Sea | Perth Now