Philippines says three Chinese ships spotted near islets close to Taiwan

China has lodged a protest with the Philippines over its president's remarks, in which he said Manila would be drawn into a conflict if China invaded Taiwan. -- PHOTO: REUTERS

MANILA (AFP): Three Chinese coast guard vessels were being monitored in the waters off remote islands in the northern Philippines near Taiwan, maritime officials in Manila said on Friday.

The vessels were first spotted on Thursday, a day after a YouTube video appeared in which Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos said there was no way Manila could stay out of conflict if China invaded Taiwan.