The continued presence of Chinese maritime militia ships in the West Philippine Sea shows China's intention to occupy other features in the area, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Sunda "The continued presence of Chinese maritime militias in the area reveals their intent to further occupy features in the West Philippine Sea," he said in a statement forwarded to reporters. Lorenzana was responding to the Chinese Embassy in Manila's statement justifying the presence of Chinese vessels off Julian Felipe Reef called Niu'e Jiao and part of their Nansha Islands.

Lorenzana: China out to occupy other WPS features. (2021, April 5). SunStar Davao, p. 3.