MANILA: The Philippine military on Tuesday warned plans by President Rodrigo Duterte's government to allow Chinese investors to develop three tiny but strategic islands could"compromise" Manila's security.
Military spokesman Brigadier-General Edgard Arevalo said on Tuesday the government should study the security implications of handing over the islands to foreign entities. "While we approve of our economy getting a boost ... we should also consider the security aspect that may be compromised if we fail to adequately study the implications of leasing these to foreigners," Arevalo added.Duterte has overseen improved economic ties with China since being elected president in mid-2016, when he set aside a sovereignty dispute over islands and waters in the South China Sea that Beijing claims almost in its entirety.