South China Sea: Philippine senators launch new project to strengthen presence on disputed Pag-asa island

As the lawmakers flew to Pag-asa Island – the largest island in the Philippine-claimed Kalayaan Island Group within the contested Spratly Islands – on Thursday, they reported being challenged by Chinese forces who sent a radio message to their plane instructing them to leave what it claimed to be Beijing’s territory.

“It’s sad that we are in our own country, in Philippine territory, and then we are told to leave because it’s supposedly China’s territory. It’s really shocking, alarming, and enraging,” Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri told reporters.

“What I wanted to say is that, if they are listening, this is the territory of the Republic of the Philippines. This is not yours. This has been ours even before Ferdinand Magellan discovered the Philippines. So, get out,” Zubiri added.

The lawmakers were on Pag-asa to inaugurate the construction of new barracks and other facilities on the island meant to enhance the Philippines’ military and logistical capabilities on the island.

The island lies about 300 miles (483km) from Puerto Princesa in Palawan, a province facing the West Philippine Sea (WPS) – Manila’s name for part of the disputed South China Sea within its exclusive economic zone.

“We’ve seen several Chinese ships there, and Subi Reef is very close, which they have already occupied and equipped with naval facilities and facilities for war. It’s alarming,” Zubiri said.

Senator JV Ejercito echoed Zubiri’s concerns, noting that the proximity of Chinese militia vessels and their coastguard to the island was very alarming. Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jnr, who accompanied the senators, said 22 Chinese vessels were sighted just an hour away from Pag-asa.

While he does not foresee China attacking, Teodoro said Manila