The Philippines says China’s military and coast guard presence near areas Manila controls or patrols in the South China Sea nearly doubles in September. It reports monitoring 101 Chinese navy and coast guard vessels around Philippine-garrisoned Thitu Island and Second Thomas Shoal, as well as near Sabina Shoal and Scarborough Shoal, which China controls.
All outlets link the reported increase to ongoing confrontations between Philippine and Chinese vessels. They note that China claims most of the strategic waterway, while Manila points to an international ruling that undermines Beijing’s position. One article also highlights that clashes between the two sides have, in some cases, resulted in collisions causing injuries and damage, raising concerns for safety in contested waters.
