The Philippines is looking at several options to strengthen its hold on the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea including refurbishing a grounded and rusting warship it uses as a military outpost, a move that would likely anger Beijing
The Philippine's priority at the moment is to resume the rotation and resupply mission for its troops on the atoll, which would likely take place in two weeks, Carlos said.
Japan, France, South Korea and the United States have expressed concern over the "dangerous" moves carried out by Chinese Coast Guard vessels against Manila's resupply boats on Aug. 5 including its use ofChina's actions forced one of the two boats hit by the water cannon to turn back, while the second boat reached the shoal, after it did a "drastic manoeuvre" to "escape near ramming attempts," the vessels' Philippine navy crew said.
Gutierrez was supposed to begin his first tour of duty at the shoal had his boat not been blocked by Chinese vessels.
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