While the world is turning topsy-turvy over Covid-19 pandemic that started in China, it’s still business as usual for the Asian giant in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). Two research stations were recently launched on two of China’s large man-made islands in the West Philippine Sea, Chinese news agency Xinhua reported on March 20. Maritime security expert Collin Koh said the launching of two new research centers by China at this time is a significant development, and the PLA is touted to remain combat ready despite the coronavirus.