The Philippine government has accused China of violating international laws with its reported establishment of more airstrips on artificial islands in the disputed West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the latest construction activities of China only escalate tension in the region. "Government is determined to assert the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight in the West Philippine Sea or South China Sea," Coloma said.

Kabiling, G. D. (2016, January 18). Malacañang accuses China of violating int'l laws. Manila Bulletin, pp. 1, 17.