Philippine naval base faces Spratlys
Two years ago the Philippines announced its intention to greatly expand a naval base at Oyster Bay, within Ulugan Bay, on the westernmost island of Palawan.
After commencing construction in October 2013, contractors have recently completed a 12km-long, two-lane access road. This will allow construction to continue at a greater pace since previously the location could only be reached by boat.
General Gregorio Catapang Jr, chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, recently told reporters, ‘We feel this [the base] is the number one priority because of the emerging security situation.’
The location is highly strategic since it lies
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