The Philippine government will maintain its ties with China amid reports that Beijing had finished the construction of military installations in the dispute South China, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said. Roque reiterated that the Duterte administration will always come into a mutual understanding and trust in order to resolve the issue. In a press briefing, the presidential spokesperson said the military facilities built in Kagitingan Reef or Fiery Cross was already being built under the previous administration and it has been long been militarized.

Barcelo, V. (2018, February 6). PH to maintain ties with China amid WPS 'installations'. Manila Standard, p. A3.