The Philippine Coast Guard is conducting drills in the South China Sea that an official said Sunday were part of efforts to secure the country's “maritime jurisdiction” over the disputed waters. The exercises near the Philippine-occupied Thitu Island and China-controlled Scarborough Shoal come amid heightened tensions over the resource-rich sea. The latest diplomatic wrangle between the two countries was triggered by the detection last month of hundreds of Chinese vessels in the Spratly Islands.

Ramos-Araneta, M. (2021, April 26). PH asserts WPS presence: Coast Guard activates drills to secure 'maritime jurisdiction' over vast areas. Manila Standard, pp. A1, A2.