Key facts
- China has not ruled out constructing facilities on Scarborough Shoal.
- The statement was made by Wu Shicun, president of the National Institute for South China Sea Studies.
- Wu cited the need to protect China's maritime rights and interests.
- He suggested that continued provocation by the Philippines could lead to construction on the shoal.
Wu Shicun, president of China's National Institute for South China Sea Studies, indicated that Beijing has not dismissed the possibility of constructing facilities on Scarborough Shoal. He stated that China's actions would depend on the Philippines' behavior, suggesting that continued provocation could prompt construction to protect China's maritime rights and interests.
Scarborough Shoal, known as Panatag Shoal in the Philippines and Huangyan Island in China, is a strategically important feature in the South China Sea. China seized control of the shoal in 2012 after a standoff with the Philippines. The Philippines has recently increased its maritime patrols and asserted its claims in the disputed waters, leading to heightened tensions with China.