Philippines to build infrastructure on Nansha Islands

The Philippines is reportedly planning to build up the infrastructure on one of the Nansha Islands.

Juanito Saban, commander of the Western Command told the Manila Standard Today that the government would build structures on Zhongye Island, which belongs to the Nansha Islands. The government will start building the projects this year. They include the construction of a world-class airport, capable of housing larger aircrafts, and the restoration of barracks and posts.

Saban claimed that the move aims to enhance the living standard of local residents and also attract tourists. The move is likely to meet opposition from China, which has reiterated its indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and their adjacent waters in the South China Sea on many occasions.