Philippine Ambassador to Beijing, Chito Sta Romana, speaks at a forum on the South China Sea on Monday in Manila, Philippines. "Whereas before the South China Sea was dominated by the US 7th Fleet, now the Chinese navy is starting to challenge the dominance," Sta Romana told a news forum in Manila. "It is not the case, that the South China Sea is now a Chinese lake, not at all," Sta Romana said. The visit comes amid a statement by the U.S. Pacific Command Chief that China has built seven new military bases in the South China Sea. Washington has no claim in the South China Sea but has declared a peaceful resolution and freedom of navigation are in its national interest.

Source: Bangkok Post February 19, 2018 08:48 UTC