China installs buoys in disputed Spratly Islands for ‘safety of navigation’
- China follows move by the Philippines to deploy the floating markers near reefs in the contested waters
- Several countries in the region have attempted to assert administrative control to strengthen their claims
China has placed at least three new light buoys in the disputed waters of the South China Sea following similar deployments by the Philippines two weeks ago.
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The Philippines anchors buoys in disputed South China Sea to counter Beijing’s claims
The operation was carried out by the ministry’s South China Sea Navigation Safety Centre, but the announcement did not indicate when the deployments were made, saying only that it happened “recently”.
Two weeks ago, the Philippine Coast Guard placed five buoys flying the Philippine national flag off the Irving and Whitsun reefs, as well as the three Philippine-occupied reefs of Flat, Loaita and Lankiam Cay.
02:55
US touts ‘ironclad’ commitment to the Philippines amid rising tensions in South China Sea
“This move highlights the Philippines’ unwavering resolve to protect its maritime borders and resources and contributes to the safety of maritime trade,” Commodore Jay Tarriela, the coastguard spokesman on South China Sea issues, said at the time on Twitter.