The Philippines has claimed that China is "inundating" a reef near its shoreline following the sighting of over 135 military vessels in the South China Sea.
The coast guard stated that the vessels were "spread out and dispersed" near Whitsun Reef, which they claim is part of their exclusive economic area.
They expressed concern over the increasing appearance of these military vessels, describing it as "disturbing".
A territorial conflict involving China, the Philippines, and several other nations is centered around the South China Sea.
The reef referred to as Whitsun Reef by some and Julian Felipe Reef by the Philippines is located about 200 miles west of Palawan Island. This is a considerable distance of over 1000km from Hainan Island, the closest substantial Chinese territory.
The Philippine Coast Guard has reported a rise in the quantity of Chinese maritime militia ships in the region, up from the 111 noted in November. So far, China has not reacted to these reports.
Tensions have escalated between the two nations over conflicting territorial claims since Ferdinand Marcos Jr assumed presidency the previous year.
The Philippines conducted two distinct combined air and sea surveillance operations with the US last week, and a few days prior, with Australia.
In 2016, a global court rejected China's assertion to owning 90% of the South China Sea. However, Beijing has ignored the judgement and has continued to construct islands in the contested region in the past few years.
The disputed maritime zones have further escalated tension between China and the US. In October, US President Joe Biden asserted that the US would protect the Philippines if they were to be attacked.
President Biden made his remarks several days following two incidents of Filipino and Chinese ships colliding in the sea.
Parts of the sea are also claimed by Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Brunei.
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