China adds ships in disputed sea, says Philippine top diplomat


Philppine Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin. - PDI

MANILA (Bloomberg): China has added more ships in a disputed area of the South China Sea even after the Philippines’ repeated protests, according to President Rodrigo Duterte’s top diplomat, who’s pledged to take up the issue with his Chinese counterpart.

The Southeast Asian nation is considering another protest after Chinese vessels in the contested waters increased to almost 300 from just over 200 in March, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin said.

"This is essential because you never let any incident pass, ” he told Bloomberg TV on Wednesday (May 12).

Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 11.12/month

Billed as RM 11.12 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 9.87/month

Billed as RM 118.40 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Aseanplus News

Nearly 1,000 firearms, drugs, porn VCDs found at Jakarta private school
PM Anwar orders full probe into incident that killed three cops in Beaufort
No evidence of offence committed in Singapore or by local agents in Indonesian baby trafficking case
Thousands evacuated in north-west China after heavy rains, flooding
Osaka woman arrested for repeatedly placing, cancelling large orders for anime goods
Fire burns 60 hectares in Indonesia’s Mount Bromo National Park
Passenger tries to open emergency exit on Kuala Lumpur-Kochi flight, damages window panel
Nurul Izzah: I want to pursue further studies
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Thursday (August 6, 2026)
South Korean army tank catches fire during live-fire drills

Others Also Read