Philippines to deploy more navy to protect its fishermen in South China Sea

The move comes after the Philippines protested a new law in China that allows its coastguard to board or open fire on foreign vessels in waters it regards as its territory.- Reuters

MANILA (Reuters): The Philippines will beef up its naval presence in the South China Sea to protect its fishermen, its new military chief said, as concerns grow about the operations of China's coastguard in disputed waters.

The move comes after the Philippines protested a new law in China that allows its coastguard to board or open fire on foreign vessels in waters it regards as its territory, which officials said could heighten risks of a miscalculation.