UN Arbitral Tribunal ruling on Mischief Reef (Panganiban reef)

Mischief reef, also known as Panganiban Reef is a reef in the Spratlys Islands in South China Sea - west of Philippines.  It is approximately 128 nautical miles from the island of Palawan, Philippines.

Here are some pictures that will show how close this one is to to Palawan, and yet China is still claiming it as their own - even the UN ruled in favor of Philippines.

Ruling on the Michief Reef by the UN - in favor of Philippines

Approximate distance of Michief Reef courtesy of Google Earth.

200 Natical Mile line 

In just a span of a little over three years, China has managed to change the landscape of the reef.

From a natural habitat and sanctuary of fish and other creatures of the sea into a military outpost.

The Natural landsape of the reef - 2015 from Google Earth

Military with airstrip - 04/2016 by Google Earth

According th NYTimes report published in October 27, 2015, China (that time) was creating seven new islet in the region

From that report until now, they did manage to create islands from the submerged reefs. 

Now that the US has a strong stance on the matter, A chinese tabloid now says the the US needs to "wage war" to block off South China Sea islands. This is a response to the hearing for confirmation of Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State. Obama administration previously conducted  air and naval patrols to assert the right of free navigation in the South China Sea. This angered Beijing, but seeking to blockade China's man-made islands would be a major step further and a step that Washington has never raised as an option.