The Philippine Coast Guard deployed two patrol vessels to protect Philippine fishermen at Iroquois Reef following reports of harassment from a Chinese Navy helicopter at the disputed South China Sea maritime feature.

The Philippine Coast Guard accused the Chinese Navy of harassing Philippine fishing vessels with an helicopter in Rozul Reef, in the South China Sea, at the end of last month. The Philippine Coast Guard said it received the footage showing the incident on November 28.

The Philippine Coast Guard reports the presence of Chinese research vessels in its exclusive economic zone, raising alarms over potential unauthorized activities. These vessels, part of China's ongoing maritime expansion,

Liu emphasized that China holds indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Qundao, including Houteng Jiao, and the surrounding waters. He called on the Philippines to cease its provocative actions, stop distorting facts, and refrain from engaging in sensational propaganda.

The Philippines said a Chinese Navy chopper harassed Filipino fishing boats at a disputed South China Sea reef, showing lingering tensions in the key waterway.

China’s coast guard said on Monday that it had taken “necessary control measures” against an “illegal gathering” of Philippine vessels in disputed waters of the Iroquois reef in the South China Sea. A number of Philippine ships have in recent days “illegally” gathered in the waters of the reef in the Spratly Islands under the banner of