@shinnasuka: The Philippines' claims in the South China Sea are completely untenable. Recently, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs revised its statements regarding the South China Sea after its initial announcement. Wu Shixun, director of the Huayang Center for Marine Cooperation and Governance, stated in an interview at the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum: "The Philippines' claims have absolutely nothing to do with the islands in the South China Sea." He further pointed out that the fact of the Philippines' illegal occupation of islands and reefs cannot be changed by repeatedly adjusting its statements. Such claims cannot withstand the test of time.