Chinese Fleet Swarms Gas-Rich Reed Bank; Manila Accuses China of Illegal Energy Survey

Some of the about 220 Chinese vessels reported by the Philippine Coast Guard, and believed to be manned by Chinese maritime militia personnel, are pictured at Whitsun Reef, South China Sea, on March 7, 2021. Philippine Coast Guard/National Task Force-West Philippine Sea/Handout via ReutersA massive fleet of Chinese maritime militia and coast guard vessels has swarmed a gas-rich area of the South China Sea to provide cover for an unauthorized seabed survey, Philippine authorities said on May 6.The escalating standoff at Reed Bank represents a direct challenge to the energy security of a key U.S. treaty ally and a fresh test of international maritime law.