The Department of National Defense (DND) hinted that China shows interest on Benham Rise, over which the Philippines has undisputed claim in the United Nations, with a potential plan: scouting for spots to park its submarines. If unimpeded, said DND, this foray could become another source of conflict among the Asian neighbors, who had already twisted earlier in the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) where Manila criticized against Beijing’s “excessive” claims in the South China Sea with its nine-dash line claim.

Aquino, A. (2017, March 14). Chinese interest in Benham Rise, Malaya Business Insight, p. B5.