1.   China and Taiwan claim all of the hundreds of islands in the Spratly chain.

2.   Last month, Manila lodged a protest with Beijing after Chinese workers began enlarging buildings erected at Mischief Reef, part of the Spratly chain.

3.   Last month, the Philippines protested after five armed Chinese vessels sailed near islands both countries claim in the Spratly chain.

4.   The commander, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said only one vessel remained in waters near islands in the Spratly chain claimed by Manila.

5.   The Philippines claims a few shoals and islets in the mineral-rich Spratly chain.

6.   China and the Philippines are among six claimants to the Spratly chain of islands in the South China Sea.

7.   Taiping, on which Taiwan has garrisoned troops, is the largest island in the disputed Spratly chain.