Philippines holds maritime drills in South China Sea

In this undated handout photo received from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on April 25, 2021, coast guard personnel conduct maritime exercises near Thitu island, in the disputed South China sea. - AFP

MANILA, April 26 (Bloomberg): The Philippines said it conducted maritime exercises in the South China Sea, a move that could escalate tensions in the disputed waters.

The coast guard said it deployed eight ships along with the fisheries bureau, as they trained on navigation, small boat operations, maintenance and logistical operations in Scarborough Shoal and Pag-asa Island.