China previously constructed artificial islands in the Spratly chain in the South China Sea. China has sought to assert its claims in the South China Sea by building a network of artificial islands capable of supporting military operations. The Scarborough Shoal, a rich fishing ground within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone and far away from the nearest major Chinese landmass, is a particular flashpoint. China took control of Scarborough Shoal in 2012 after a stand-off with the country's navy. Duterte's comments come a week before a regional summit in Laos where the South China Sea dispute will be on the agenda.

Source: Thanhnien News September 02, 2016 19:52 UTC