Aquino says Chinese survey ships seen in Philippine waters

Philippine President Benigno Aquino speaks during a weapon distribution ceremony at the armed forces headquarters in Quezon city, Metro Manila August 14, 2014. REUTERS/Erik De Castro

MANILA (Reuters) - Philippine President Benigno Aquino said two Chinese survey vessels had been sighted in a gas-rich area of its exclusive economic zone, raising concerns of heightened tensions in the disputed South China Sea.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea, believed to be rich in deposits of oil and gas resources. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also claim the sea where $5 trillion (2.99 trillion pound) of ship-borne goods pass every year.