Philippines holds maritime drills in South China Sea

Bloomberg

The Philippines said it conducted maritime exercises in the South China Sea, a move that could escalate tensions in the disputed waters.
The coast guard said it deployed eight ships along with the fisheries bureau, as they trained on navigation, small boat operations, maintenance and logistical operations in Scarborough Shoal and Pag-asa Island. The maritime exercises come days after the Philippines fired protests over the continued presence of Chinese vessels in a disputed reef.
“We are supporting the whole-of-nation approach in securing our maritime jurisdiction,” coast guard spokesman Armando Balilo said, adding it will also conduct medical missions with residents in Pag-asa Island next week.

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