The President’s meeting with the Chinese party members came amid reports of China’s increased construction activities on the Kagitingan Reef located in the disputed South China Sea. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana earlier recommended the filing of a diplomatic protest if China’s military buildup on the reef is proven. The Palace has agreed that such protest would be “proper remedy, saying the government has opposed any militarization of the territory since it would threaten peace and security in the area.

Kabiling, G. D., & Damicog, J. G. (2018, January 11). PH pushing for 'stronger bond' with China despite sea row. Manila Bulletin, pp. 1, 3.