Philippines sends fighter aircraft over Chinese vessels in South China Sea

Devotees wearing face masks and face shields to prevent the spread of the coronavirus attends a Palm Sunday mass, March 28, 2021 outside the Saint Peter Parish Church in Quezon city, Philippines. The government banned religious activities during the Holy Week as it enters into stricter lockdown measure starting next week while country struggles to control an alarming surge in Covid-19 cases. - AP

MANILA, March 28 (Reuters): The Philippine military is sending light fighter aircraft to fly over hundreds of Chinese vessels in disputed waters in the South China Sea, its defence minister said, as he repeated his demand the flotilla be withdrawn immediately.

International concern is growing over what the Philippines has described as a "swarming and threatening presence" of more than 200 Chinese vessels that Manila believes were manned by maritime militia.