Map of South China Sea
A map of the South China Sea shows the disputed islands. Wikipedia

China raised the stakes in its dispute with the Philippines over a number of islands in the South China Sea on Monday. According to the BBC, China approved plans to build a military installation on Woody Island in the Paracels after declaring on Saturday that Sansha City, which was created in June, gave it authority over the island.

Vietnam and Taiwan both also claim rights to the Paracels. On Sunday, China appointed 45 lawmakers to Sansha's new congress.

Meanwhile, Philippines President Benigno Aquino III said on Monday that he would not back down in the dispute with China, adding that the Philippines will be adding 40 aircraft, a number of weapons and a retired U.S. Coast Guard boat to its military.

Coast Guard Congress China Congress