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The
ministry did not specify what activities those were and its
statement follows a report this week of Chinese construction on
four uninhabited features in the disputed Spratly islands, news
that Beijing has dismissed as "unfounded".
Any encroachment or reclamation on features within the
Philippines' 200-mile exclusive economic zone "is a threat to
the security of Pagasa island, which is part of Philippine
sovereign territory," the ministry said in a statement, using
the Filipino name for Thitu island.
"We strongly urge China to uphold the prevailing rules-based
international order and refrain from acts that will exacerbate
tensions," it added.
The Chinese embassy in Manila reiterated that China strictly
abides by a consensus reached among claimants that included not
developing uninhabited reefs and islands.
Asked to respond to the defence ministry's statement, it said
both countries would "properly handle maritime issues through
friendly consultations."
China claims most of the South China Sea, through which billions
of dollars worth of goods pass each year. Brunei, Malaysia, the
Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have overlapping claims to
various islands and features.
Thitu is the most strategically important of nine features the
Philippines occupies in the Spratlys, located close to Subi
Reef, one of seven artificial islands that China has built on
submerged reefs, some with surface-to-air missiles, aircraft
hangars and runways.
The Philippine military's Western Command in a statement said it
had observed via regular navy and air patrols a "persistent
presence" of Chinese militia near Thitu island and around
Lankiam Cay, Whitsun Reef and Sandy Cay.
It did specify what the Chinese boats were doing.
(Reporting by Karen Lema; Editing by Martin Petty)
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