Manila deploys coast guard ship to counter China patrols

The Philippine coastguard’s acquisition of more advanced ships – including a 97-metre multi-role response vessel (pictured) in 2022 – has allowed it to increase the number and duration of trips in the South China Sea, its chief said. - Photo: Kyodo

MANILA: The Philippines said Sunday (Jan 12) it had deployed a coast guard ship to challenge Chinese patrol boats attempting to "alter the existing status quo" of the disputed South China Sea.

Beijing claims most of the strategic waterway despite a 2016 international tribunal ruling that went against it, and there have been frequent clashes or tense standoffs between Philippine and Chinese vessels.