What the Philippines calls the Julian Felipe Reef within the West Philippine Sea (WPS) is the Niu’e Jiao, a part of the Nansha Qundao or Spratly Islands, to China. The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines said Chinese fishing vessels have been fishing in the area and taking shelter near the Niu’e Jiao. The ships spotted there recently were not manned by the Chinese maritime militia, it said. “The Chinese Embassy has taken note of the recent statement and remarks of the Philippine side on the presence of alleged Chinese Maritime Militia Vessels at Niu’e Jiao,” it said in a statement on Monday, March 22, 2021.

China says WPS reef is part of its Nansha Qundao. (2021, March 24). SunStar Bacolod, p. 3.