Secret Island Building

China today accused the Philippines of spreading "rumours" as it refuted allegations by Manila that it has secretly begun work to build an artificial island at a crucial shoal in the disputed South China Sea after an international tribunal struck down Beijing's claims.

The Philippines released photos Wednesday to back its claims that China had secretly begun work to cement control over a crucial shoal in the hotly contested South China Sea.

China today accused the Philippines of spreading "rumours" as it refuted allegations by Manila that it has secretly begun work to build an artificial island at a crucial shoal in the disputed South China Sea after an international tribunal struck down Beijing's claims.

The Philippines released photos Wednesday to back its claims that China had secretly begun work to cement control over a crucial shoal in the hotly contested South China Sea.