MANILA—The Philippines’ defense chief says Beijing is looking to occupy more areas in the South China Sea, citing the continued presence of Chinese vessels that Manila believes are manned by militias in disputed parts of the strategic waterway.
“The continued presence of Chinese maritime militias in the area reveals their intent to further occupy (areas) in the West Philippine Sea,” Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in an April 4 statement, using the local name for the South China Sea.
