The Philippines claims Reed Bank — an islet of the Spratlys, which submerges in full tide, 80 kilometers from Palawan Island which it administers — and after a survey ship sent to explore oil reserves was chased away by Chinese vessels in March last year, Manila has hardened its stance on sovereignty rights, quickened its efforts to modernize its military capability by spending billions, and sought help from the United States. Uncle Sam is ready to stage a joint sea maneuver near Reed Bank later this month or early April, which the People's Republic of China is bound to view as provocative.
Read Full Article »
