Hainan Daily newspaper, quoting Sansha Communist Party Secretary Xiao Jie, has reported that China would begin preparatory work this year to build environmental monitoring stations on a number of islands, including Panatag Shoal. China seized Panatag Shoal in 2012 after a standoff with the Philippine Navy. No monitoringAlso on Saturday, Malacañang denied that Chinese ships were in Benham Rise to monitor the alleged presence of US submarines in the country’s continental shelf. Abella said the Philippine government does not allow Chinese vessels in Benham Rise to do such monitoring. Duterte had downplayed the presence of Chinese ships in Benham Rise, China sought permission to send its ships to the area.

Source: Manila Times March 18, 2017 16:30 UTC