Philippines installing monitoring station in disputed sea

The Philippines said Friday it was establishing a coast guard station on the largest island it holds in the disputed South China Sea. National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano made the announcement during a visit to the Philippine-held Thitu Island, which is part of the hotly contested Spratly Islands. 

The coast guard station would be equipped with "advanced systems", including radar, satellite communication, coastal cameras and vessel traffic management, Ano said. The station has been built and is expected to be operational early next year.