China is using the coronavirus as a cover to push territorial claims in the South China Sea through a surge in naval activity meant to intimidate other countries that claim the waters, the commander of US Forces in Japan said on Friday. There has been a surge of activity by China in the South China Sea with navy ships, coast guard vessels and a naval militia of fishing boats in harassing vessels in waters claimed by Beijing, said Lt. Gen. Kevin Schneider. “Through the course of the COVID crisis we saw a surge of maritime activity,” he told Reuters in a phone interview.

US: China pushing sea claims amid COVID-19. (2020, June 7). Philippine Daily Inquirer, A5.