Chinese vessels are seen moored at Whitsun Reef in the South China Sea. Photo: National Task Force-West Philippine Sea via AP
Whitsun Reef row: could the Philippines lose another South China Sea feature to Beijing?
- The Philippines has summoned Beijing’s top envoy in Manila to a meeting where ‘both sides affirmed the use of peaceful settlement of disputes’
- But analysts say despite Manila’s strong protests, it not only risks losing control of the reef, it may soon be forced to pick a side between the US and China
Chinese vessels are seen moored at Whitsun Reef in the South China Sea. Photo: National Task Force-West Philippine Sea via AP