There are currently five countries with maritime claims in the South China Sea: China Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Taiwan and the Philippines.
Of these, the Philippines currently occupies nine areas in the Spratlys Islands lying in the contested South China Sea, and only one has an airstrip.
This is a small number compared to the facilities set in place by Vietnam and China which both have maritime claims in the disputed waters.
Satellite images from the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) reveal that Vietnam has the most number of facilities in the Spratlys.
Vietnam now has facilities on 21 rocks and reefs, and 14 isolated platforms on six underwater banks.
In comparison, the Philippines has one airstrip located on Pag-asa Island. All other locations in the Spratlys Island controlled by Manila are still bare of any man-made facilities.
According to reports released in February, China had installed several air and naval facilities on seven islands it has claims over in the South China Sea.
In August last year, reports also surfaced that Chinese vessels have been spotted operating in Pag-asa Island.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano earlier said that the presence of Chinese ships is a cause for alarm.
“Why were we not concerned about the US doing freedom of navigation, ang lalaki ng ships nila. You know why? Kasi they’re our allies so if we keep looking at China as the enemy, every time na may movement sila masyado tayong nag-re-react,” Cayetano said.
