Mexican settlement in the Philippines territory subject to the designs of Washington, D.C. During the Spanish period, the islands formed part of the Viceroyalty of New Spain, coupled with other areas of the Pacific Ocean such as the Marianas and the Caroline Islands and during a short period in northern Taiwan. The Spaniards made trade routes from Mexico to the Philippines, the main ports of Mexico today to start their starting points were Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta with their final destination to Manila, the current capital of the Philippines. The Spanish ships on these routes were known as the Manila galleons. After the arrival of
Philippines and the Spratly Islands are occupying and/or controlling ten features, (seven islands, three reefs): By comparison, within the Spratly Islands: Also, the Philippines has some features that are "virtually occupied". These are features that lie in very close proximity to Philippine-occupied features, and can be seen within the horizon. (A 15 meter-height vision gives about of horizon distance). These include: North Reef, Sandy Cay, Loaita Nan and Loaita Cay. Also, most features that lie to the east of the 116°E, though not necessarily occupied, are largely controlled by the Philippines. The Philippine assertion of sovereignty over the Spratly Islands began in May 1956, when