The Philippines increases military presence in South China Sea

The Philippines’ Department of National Defense ordered the military to increase its presence in the South China Sea. It reportedly observed Chinese activity in waters near the Philippines-administered and strategically important Pag-asa Island, also known as Thitu Island. The island is part of the disputed Spratly Islands. China’s activities in the area were not specified. A week ago, however, China’s construction activities on four uninhabited islands in the Spratly archipelago surfaced.