Filipino soldiers stand at attention on Thitu Island in the South China Sea. Photo: Reuters
Filipino soldiers stand at attention on Thitu Island in the South China Sea. Photo: Reuters
South China Sea
China /  Diplomacy

Beijing tried to block Philippine military facilities on disputed island ‘over fears US could use them’

  • Concern that new and upgraded facilities on Thitu could be shared with the US, undermining China’s military advantage in the South China Sea
  • Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte demanded Beijing ‘lay off the island’ after it sent about 275 boats there as an apparent warning

Zhenhua Lu
Zhenhua Lu

Updated: 11:16pm, 13 Apr, 2019

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Filipino soldiers stand at attention on Thitu Island in the South China Sea. Photo: Reuters
Filipino soldiers stand at attention on Thitu Island in the South China Sea. Photo: Reuters
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