MANILA, Philippines — What used to be a mere rock formation in the Philippine-claimed waters in South China is now expanding to become an island alongside existing buildings and facilities nearby.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) recently sighted new conversion activities conducted by China on Mabini (Johnson South) Reef, located 118 nautical miles off Palawan, and released photos Wednesday of the reclamation.

DFA and other senior military officials had said China’s reclamation of land in the disputed reef can be used to build an airstrip or even an offshore military base.

“Judging from the other structures put up by China in the South China Sea, we can safely presume they are for military purposes,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Charles Jose said in a televised interview with the media.

Read more: http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/05/16/1323840/closer-look-reclamation-outpost-mabini-reef