Philippines protests at ‘illegal fishing’ by China

The Philippines filed fresh diplomatic protests to China yesterday after accusing its neighbour of illegal fishing and amassing more than 240 boats inside its territorial waters.

The Philippine foreign ministry said two protests had been lodged, days after Manila summoned the Chinese ambassador to seek the withdrawal of vessels from the disputed Whitsun Reef in the South China Sea and other Philippine maritime zones.

Chinese diplomats have previously said the reef is part of its traditional fishing grounds.