China Accused of 'Swarming' South China Sea Reef by Philippines; U.S. Ship Allegedly 'Intrudes' in Disputed Waters

Tensions escalate as over 135 Chinese vessels are spotted near the Whitsun Reef, while the U.S. denies China's claim of 'illegal intrusion' by a U.S. naval ship in the South China Sea.

Over 135 Chinese vessels, suspected to be part of China's maritime militia, have been spotted near the Whitsun Reef off the coast of the western Philippine island province of Palawan, an area within the Philippines' internationally recognized exclusive economic zone.
The Philippines has accused China of 'swarming' the reef, and has ordered its coast guard to patrol the area and challenge what it calls the 'illegal presence' of the Chinese vessels.
China has claimed the Whitsun Reef as its territory and stated that it is 'reasonable' for Chinese fishing vessels to operate and seek shelter in the area.
China has also accused a U.S. naval ship, the USS Gabrielle Giffords, of 'illegally intruding' into waters near the Second Thomas Shoal, another disputed area in the South China Sea.
The U.S. Navy has denied China's accusation, stating that the USS Gabrielle Giffords was conducting routine operations in international waters, consistent with international law.