The Philippines is keeping vigilant in light of China's "clear intent" to beef up its military presence in the South China Sea, particularly in a shoal located inside the Philippines' 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone, according to classified Philippine government papers seen by Kyodo News.
"China has maintained a constant presence of at least two or three marine surveillance ships and a frigate in the vicinity of the shoal conducting surveillance patrol and illegal fishing," the document said.
Pictures show Chinese navy ships operating in the area as well as fishing vessels loaded with giant clams and corals harvested from the shoal.