South China Sea: Philippines logs record 203 Chinese vessels near its shores in 1 week

Analysts describe the increased Chinese maritime activity, which was logged by the Philippine Navy in the country’s exclusive economic zone, as “a critical development”, consistent with Beijing’s long-standing strategy of “swarming” in contested waters.

“China has been utilising its large force” to intimidate and dominate, said Don McLain Gill, geopolitical analyst and lecturer at De La Salle University’s department of international studies in Manila. “Particularly for the purpose of swarming.”