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.