The Philippines says it has discovered illegally built structures on features in the Union Banks, a series of reefs in the South China Sea.
The reefs are near where Manila says a flotilla of Chinese fishing vessels, allegedly manned by militias, have gathered in recent weeks.
The country's military said the structures were spotted during maritime patrols conducted on Tuesday, but it did not give the precise location of the structures or more details as to who erected them or as to their construction, saying only their presence violated international law.
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Chinese vessels are seen moored at Whitsun Reef in the South China Sea on March 27. The Philippine government said that more than 250 Chinese vessels it believes are operated by militia have been spotted near six Manila-claimed islands and reefs in the disputed South China Sea and demanded that China immediately remove them. (National Task Force-West Philippine Sea via AP)