AFP exec: China reclamation halt not true

The Philippines earlier called on China to stop its reclamation activities in the disputed South China Sea and West Philippine Sea. File photo

MANILA, Philippines - There is no truth to China's earlier announcement that it has stopped its reclamation activities over the disputed West Philippine Sea, the Armed Forces Western Command said on Tuesday.

Western Command head Vice Admiral Alexander Lopez on Tuesday said that China is still conducting construction activities in the disputed territory.

"They told the world that they have completed four reclamation projects but they never did announce that they have stopped their construction works. It's just technicalities," Lopez said.

Lopez, however, clarified that the Chinese have stopped all reclamation activities but are now conducting vertical construction activities in Mischief, Subi and Fiery Cross Reefs.

The West Command official noted that construction activities in the said areas are "going full blast."

He noted that the facilities being constructed in the areas may be used for humanitarian and military use.

"We will see, we have to be very vigilant in monitoring," Lopez said.

The said facilities are expected to be completed by the end of the year.

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