Philippines Observes 220 Chinese Militia Vessels at Whitsun Reef

The Philippine National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea observed approximately 220 blue-hulled Chinese vessels moored in line formation at Whitsun Reef (Julian Felipe Reef), 170 nautical miles west of Palawan and within the Philippines' EEZ. The vessels were not fishing, lashing together in military-style formation. The Philippines publicly reported the swarming on March 20, triggering an international crisis.