Beijing claims most of the South China Sea, including waters and islands close to the shores of its neighbours, and has ignored international tribunal decision
The Philippines said Sunday more than 135 Chinese vessels were "swarming" a reef off its coast, describing the boats growing presence as "alarming". "No response was made to the radio challenges issued by the PCG (Philippine Coast Guard) to the CMM vessels which is now estimated to have grown to more than 135 vessels dispersed and scattered within Julian Felipe Reef," Manila s coast guard said, describing the boats presence as "alarming" and "illegal".
A Chinese coast guard ship and an accompanying vessel rammed a Philippine coast guard ship and a military-run supply boat Sunday off a contested shoal. | World News
The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard are set to intensify patrols in the Iroquois Reef in the West Philippine Sea after 48 Chinese vessels were recently spotted “swarming” in the area.