Former Philippines Foreign Minister Albert del Rosario (Photo: AFP)

The Philippines have accused China of pointing a radar gun at a Philippine Navy ship in Philippine waters and illegally creating two new districts in the East Sea (also known as the South China Sea), which cover Philippine-claimed territory in the Spratly Islands, Scarborough Shoal and Fiery Cross Reef.

Former Philippines Foreign Minister Albert del Rosario said “the Philippines must remain vigilant against China’s aggressive activities, even while fighting the COVID-19 epidemic.”

Gregory Poling, Director of the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative of the Center for Strategies and International Studies, said China has been increasing its intrusion into oil exploitation and fishing activities in the East Sea.