
"China Warns Against Philippine Construction in Disputed South China Sea Amid Regional Tensions"
China has condemned the Philippines' proposal to build permanent structures on Ayungin Shoal within the West Philippine Sea, claiming it violates international law and Chinese sovereignty. The shoal is within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, but China asserts ownership based on historical claims and rejects the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling invalidating its nine-dash line claim. The Philippines plans to construct shelters for fisherfolk, with the AFP ready to support the project. Tensions continue as China's presence in the area has led to harassment of Filipino entities, while allies like the United States have shown support for the Philippines.

