RP airstrip in Spratlys criticized

RP airstrip in Spratlys criticized

MANILA: (Reuter): China criticized the Philippines yesterday
for opening an airstrip on one of the disputed Spratly Islands
but Manila said it was merely upgrading supply lines to its
troops there and not building a new garrison.

The Chinese Embassy said in a statement China "enjoys
indisputable sovereignty" over the South China Sea islands and
urged the Philippines not to take any action that would harm
relations.

Philippine armed forces chief Gen. Arnulfo Acedera inaugurated
the 1.3 km (0.8 mile) long airstrip on one of the islands in the
Kalayaan island group during a Christmas Day visit to Filipino
soldiers in the area.

Acedera said in a statement yesterday day he went to Kalayaan
mainly "to bring Christmas cheers to the troops" and also to re-
open an existing but renovated airstrip. He denied newspaper
reports that the Philippines planned to set up a new garrison in
Kalayaan.