Amid growing international concern over rising tension in the South China Sea, a Malacañang official said Thursday the Philippines would one day "thank" China for building artificial islands in the resource-rich waters. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque expressed confidence there might be a possibility the Philippines could eventually ask China to leave and assume control over its man-made islands. But this would only happen if the Philippines would be able to ask China to leave the artificial islands it had reclaimed in the disputed sea.

Barcelo, V., & Ramos-Araneta, M. (2018, February 9). 'PH would one day even than China'. Manila Standard, pp. A1, A2.