Philippine military to upgrade island facilities, not launch land grab

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the armed forces to "occupy all" remote reefs claimed by Manila, in a move that could provoke rival claimants including Beijing.

Manila (AFP) - The Philippines' military said Friday that it plans to upgrade and improve facilities on islands it already occupies in the disputed South China Sea, not embark on a new land grab.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said Thursday that he had ordered the armed forces to "occupy all" remote reefs claimed by Manila.