Philippines opens key coast guard base in the disputed South China Sea

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines unveiled a major coast guard base Thursday on an island in the South China Sea to serve as a "steadfast sentinel of our sovereignty” in a disputed region closely guarded by China’s forces.Chinese officials did not immediately react to the Philippines' opening of its coast guard district command on Thitu Island , which has been occupied by Filipino forces and civilians for decades but is also claimed by Beijing.Chinese coast guard and other government-linked ships frequently patrol outlying waters off the island, which is also claimed by Vietnam and T…READ FULL ARTICLE