Philippines says more than 135 Chinese boats ‘swarming’ reef off its coast

Philippine Coast Guard monitored 111 Chinese maritime militia swarming the area of Julian Felipe Reef on Nov. 13, 2023. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Coast Guard)

Agence France-Presse

The Philippines said Sunday more than 135 Chinese vessels were “swarming” a reef off its coast, describing the boats’ growing presence as “alarming”.

The Chinese boats were “dispersed and scattered” within the boomerang-shaped Whitsun Reef, which the Philippines calls Julian Felipe Reef, around 320 kilometers (200 miles) west of Palawan Island, the coast guard said.

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