But since 2000, China quietly and secretly reclaimed the reefs and converted them into military bases. While the 10 Asean member states have been pressing for 15 years for a binding Code of Conduct on the South China Sea, China has successfully delayed its enactment, and even bullied the Philippines on the Panatag Shoal (80 miles west of northern Philippines). Military vessels and planes do not enjoy that freedom because they are “threats” to China. And clearly now, China will merely completely ignore any other interpretation or criticism of their one-sided view of navigational freedom because there is no UN police to enforce the rule or which can persuade China to obey international laws. More developments on the North and South Koreans’ summitry will likely overshadow the military buildup in the South China Sea these coming weeks.

Source: Manila Times May 06, 2018 10:41 UTC