China’s ‘Swarming Ships’ and Philippines’ ‘Christmas Convoy’ Reignite South China Sea Tensions

Dozens of Chinese fishing vessels that make up an informal martime militia have been massing near Whitsun reef in the South China Sea in what many believe will be a showdown with Philippines maritime forces over access to the disputed Second Thomas Shoal. Video via the Philippines Coast Guard

Nerves are back on edge in the South China Sea as confrontations between Chinese and Filipino forces resume after a brief lull in activity.

The Philippines is accusing China of “swarming” a disputed reef in the area with more than 100 maritime militia vessels.

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by Han Zhen

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