PHL starts upgrade of airstrip on occupied island in disputed Spratlys

The Philippines has started its "long-delayed" repairs on its runway on Pag-asa Island amid increasing Chinese military presence in the disputed Spratly Islands, a US think tank said Friday.

In a report it published on Friday, the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) said satellite images indicate that repairs are ongoing on the island military facility.

AMTI images taken last May 17 show that two barges anchored off at the western edge of the Pag-asa Island runway.

Also, AMTI reported that a grab dredger consisting of a crane with a clamshell bucket is installed on the smaller barge to the west, while the other barge is carrying a backhoe.

Aside from the runway repairs, at least seven new buildings were also seen to have been constructed, after Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana announced the government's plan to develop the island last year, the report added. 

It included four buildings that were constructed "near the residential area on the eastern side of the island, one near the administrative facilities at its center, another along the northern shore, and one at the western end next to the island’s basketball court, which has received a fresh coat of paint," the report said.

However, AMTI said that "no new ramp was visible as recently as February" after Lorenzana announced the construction of a beaching area or port.

The AMTI before-and-after imagery also showed "minor" upgrades at the Rizal Reef (Commodore Reef), Lawak Island (Nanshan Island) and Panata Island (Loaita Cay).

A May 1 image showed that a new round-roofed shelter has been constructed on the eastern side of Rizal Reef.

A hexagonal shelter was also added at the Panata Island, a small sandbar.

Meanwhile, AMTI reported that the rest of Philippines' Spratly outposts, namely Loaita Island, Northeast Cay, West York Island, Flat Island, and Second Thomas Shoal "show no visible upgrades in the last year."

China's Air Force announced last week that it landed its  H-6K bomber plane for the first time on its largest base in the South China Sea, located on Woody Island in the Paracel group.

Earlier, the AMTI reported of the possible role of Woody Island in China's "eventual" military deployments in the Spratlys.

Moreover, it said that China has built large hangars at all three of its “Big 3” outposts in the Spratlys (Subi, Mischief, and Fiery Cross Reefs) that can accommodate bombers like the H-6K (as well as large transport, patrol, and refueling aircraft).

While Manila expressed its concern on China's deployment of its long-range bombers, it said it did not see the development as a threat to the Philippines' security at the moment.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte does not see any immediate threat after having a "newfound friendship" with China.

Roque added the Philippine government is using diplomatic means to address the maritime dispute. —Jamil Santos/LBG, GMA News