South China Sea Dispute: Chinese Vessels Pictured Close To Scarborough Shoal, Philippine Defense Minister Says

Several Chinese vessels have been deployed near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea close to the Philippine coast, fueling further tensions in the region, the New York Times reported Monday citing Philippine Defense Minister Delfin Lorenzana.

Both Beijing and Manila have laid claims to the Scarborough Shoal that is considered an important strategic zone due to its proximity to military bases in the Philippines, a U.S. ally.