Philippines says Chinese Navy ship seen circling amid sea spat

This photo taken on March 5, 2024 shows a China Coast Guard personnel placing a rubber fender during a near collision with the BRP Sindangan during a supply mission to Second Thomas Shoal in the disputed South China Sea. - AFP

MANILA: At least 30 Chinese vessels, including a People’s Liberation Army Navy ship, were spotted around areas in the South China Sea that the Philippines claims as part of its territory, according to its military.

Along with the PLA navy vessel, also sighted were a Chinese coast guard ship and six fishing boats near the Philippines-occupied Thitu Island, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla told reporters on Wednesday (March 20).