Under construction? Chinese concrete blocks spotted in Panatag Shoal

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Navy has spotted at least 30 concrete blocks being erected at the disputed Panatag Shoal, Defense spokesperson Peter Paul Galvez said Tuesday.

Galvez said the concrete blocks, which were spotted last August 31, have a dimension of at least two-by-two cubic feet, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) report.

These concrete blocks were sighted at the northern portion of Panatag Shoal and were probably prefabricated, said Galvez.

He added that the concrete blocks could be the base of the structures the Chinese will probably construct in the area.

Three Chinese coast guard ships were also sighted by the Philippine aerial patrol.

"It is unfortunate that they keep on doing activities that do not contribute to our pursuit towards regional peace," Galvez was quoted as saying in the PNA report.

Panatag Shoal, which is 124 nautical miles from the nearest point in Zambales, is among the territories being claimed by the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea.

China claims virtually the entire West Philippine Sea while the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan have overlapping claims in the area

The Asian giant has been flexing its muscles in the contested waters to assert its territorial claims, which the Philippines has described as “excessive” and “exaggerated.”

It started occupying the Panatag Shoal on April 10, 2012 while Chinese ships have been reported of intruding into the  Ayungin Shoal, an area located 105.77 nautical miles from Palawan.

Both Ayungin and Panatag Shoals are well within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and the government has decried the incursion of Chinese vessels in these areas, calling it a provocative act and a violation of international law.

Related story: â€˜China won’t abandon Panatag Shoal’