The Philippines started sending troops to the island of Pagasa

The Philippines started sending troops and supplies on their controlled island in the disputed South China sea, creating the stage for a potential dispute with Beijing.

Currently, plans are under way to strengthen and modernize the facilities on the island of Pagasa in the chain of the Spratly Islands, according to a senior Philippine military officials at the official Philippines news Agency (PNA). President Rodrigo Duterte last month said he ordered the military to occupy all of the personnel belonging to the Philippines Islands in the South China sea, part or all of which require China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam.

While Manila has traditionally been a very strong advocate of its claims in the disputed waters - even winning international historic ruling, rejecting most of the demands of China, the government Duterte closer to Beijing and pushed the territorial disputes on the back burner. It is unclear how China will react to the military buildup. Although it is much less aggressive than the actions taken by China in the region, the country not traditionally responds extremely well to any territorial calls.

In April Duterte stated that he can raise the flag of the Philippines on Pagasa, also known as the island to Thit, the day of independence on June 12.

Pagasa is one of the largest natural Islands in the chain of the Spratly group of Islands, islets and reefs more than 100 to 1,000 kilometers (660 miles) from the southernmost tip of mainland China. For comparison, the circuit is 300 kilometers (185 miles) from the Philippine province of Palawan.

While relations between Manila and Beijing may have improved, the South China sea is rich in resources and important shipping route, and none of the parties has not departed from its requirements, meaning that the tension can erupt again at any time.

sections: Politics, World News, Accidents