MANILA: The Philippines' defence secretary said on Sunday that China was looking to occupy more areas in the South China Sea, citing the continued presence of Chinese vessels that Manila believes are manned by militias in disputed parts of the strategic waterway.
"The continued presence of Chinese maritime militias in the area reveals their intent to further occupy in the West Philippine Sea," Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a statement, using the local name for the South China Sea.It was the second hostile statement by Lorenzana in two days as he repeated calls by the Philippines for the Chinese boats to leave Whitsun Reef, which Manila calls the Julian Felipe Reef, located within its 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone.
Chinese diplomats have said that the boats anchored near the reef - numbering more than 200 based on initial intelligence gathered by Philippine patrols - were sheltering from rough seas and that no militia were aboard.
CNA will be soon banned by CCP china because you are reporting truth.
South China Sea should be called Philippines Sea smh
Bloody warmongers!
Chief we knew it from the very first time CCP drew the perforated line over the sea and reclaim the first island in front of your doorstep.
The dudirty legacy 👊
4.4.2021
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
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