Philippines seeks clarification from Vietnam on Spratlys phone service
MANILA - The Philippines will seek clarification from Vietnam over reports that a state firm will soon launch a mobile phone service in the disputed Spratly Islands.
Vinaphone is expected to launch its service in the islands next month, Nguyen Huu Thuong -- director of a government telecom service center based in Vietnam's central province of Danang -- told AFP.
"We have not received any official confirmation on that report," the foreign office source said Wednesday, stressing that a code of conduct among claimants to the Spratlys prevents any of them putting up structures that could disrupt the status quo.
The Spratlys chain is claimed in whole or in part by Brunei, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.
All except Brunei maintain a military presence in the area, which is considered a potential flashpoint in Southeast Asia.
Agence Fance Presse - May 10, 2006.
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