Philippine coast guard confronts Chinese maritime ‘militia’ vessels in South China Sea

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on May 12, 2021, reported "illegal incursions" by 287 Chinese vessels in waters claimed by Manila. The footage shows the PCG driving away vessels scattered in a part of the South China Sea that the Philippines claims as the West Philippine Sea. The PCG ordered the Chinese ‘militia’ boats off waters it said were part of the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. China denies using fishing boat crews as militia. While President Rodrigo Duterte has voiced support for improving relations between Manila and Beijing, the Philippine foreign ministry has repeatedly lodged complaints about the alleged incursions in recent weeks, and the country's task force on the South China Sea said in a statement that the latest incident may result in diplomatic action. 

Video source: Reuters/Philippine Coast Guard.