South China Sea: Philippines says over 135 Chinese boats ‘swarming’ reef off its coast. The Philippines has reported an alarming increase in the presence of over 135 Chinese vessels around Whitsun Reef, locally known as Julian Felipe Reef, in the South China Sea. The boats, identified as part of the Chinese maritime militia, were initially counted at 111 on November 13 but grew in number, prompting the deployment of Philippine Coast Guard patrol boats. The situation, described as "illegal" by the Philippine Coast Guard, escalates ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, where several nations, including China, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam, assert overlapping claims. Beijing's extensive territorial claims, despite international tribunal rulings against them, continue to be a point of contention in the region, known for its significant petroleum reserves.
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Asia Daily: December 4, 2023
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South China Sea: Philippines says over 135 Chinese boats ‘swarming’ reef off its coast. The Philippines has reported an alarming increase in the presence of over 135 Chinese vessels around Whitsun Reef, locally known as Julian Felipe Reef, in the South China Sea. The boats, identified as part of the Chinese maritime militia, were initially counted at 111 on November 13 but grew in number, prompting the deployment of Philippine Coast Guard patrol boats. The situation, described as "illegal" by the Philippine Coast Guard, escalates ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, where several nations, including China, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam, assert overlapping claims. Beijing's extensive territorial claims, despite international tribunal rulings against them, continue to be a point of contention in the region, known for its significant petroleum reserves.