China tests the waters
EDITORIAL |
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Is China trying to have a feel of the political resolve of Noynoy with its stepped up activity in the disputed Spratlys, including the trailing of Chinese patrol boats of a government oil exploration team clearly within the Philippine boundary off Palawan?
The recent incident happened after a report said new structures have been built by China on islands that are part of the disputed areas.
China has been vigorous in asserting its claim over the areas covering Spratly islands which is believed to be potentially rich in oil.
It appears that the incident was not a chance encounter between Chinese ships and the government exploration vessel, as this episode happened just after the government obtained a reprieve for the execution of three Filipino death convicts..... MORE
Source: The Daily Tribune
URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110306com1.html