Chinese structures don't matter, West Philippine Sea is 'ours,' says Locsin

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Thursday said the presence of Chinese man-made structures at Pagkakaisa Banks "don't matter" as the area is part of the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

"Within our EEZ (exclusive economic zone) so it’s ours. The durability and vintage of the structures don’t matter. Ours," the nation's top diplomat said on Twitter.

Locsin was reacting to a social media user's tweet who asked if the Philippines will claim ownership of the island, which is part of the Kalayaan Islands Group (KIG), amid China's structures established there.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) earlier in the day revealed that man-made structures believed to be built by China were spotted at the Union Banks of KIG after following maritime patrols on Wednesday. 

"These constructions and other activities, economic or otherwise, are prejudicial to peace, good order, and security of our territorial waters," the AFP said.

This development comes after the National Task Force on West Philippine Sea said 44 Chinese maritime ships remained at Julian Felipe Reef while over 200 other Chinese vessels are scattered over the KIG.

The country previously said it is also asking compensation from China over the damage it did on the Philippines' maritime resources which include: 

•  toleration and protection of, and failure to prevent Chinese fishing vessels engaging in harmful harvesting activities of endangered species at Scarborough Shoal, Second Thomas Shoal and other features in the Spratly Islands
• island building activities at Cuarteron Reef, Fiery Cross Reef, Gaven Reef (North), Johnson Reef, Hughes Reef, Subi Reef and Mischief Reef and
• construction of installations and artificial islands at Mischief Reef without the authorization of the Philippines

— Consuelo Marquez/KBK, GMA News