Philippines says China 'militia' spreads to other disputed reefs

The Philippines said Chinese “maritime militia” vessels have expanded into more disputed South China Sea areas, even after the Southeast Asian nation protested and the U.S. aired concerns over the ships’ presence. More than 250 Chinese vessels were seen in areas including Whitsun Reef and Thitu Island, as well as an island group known in the Philippines as Kalayaan, a government task force said Wednesday, citing air and sea patrols on March 29. It added that four Chinese Navy ships were also spotted at Mischief Reef, also known as Panganiban Reef. The Chinese ships’ presence in the contested waters comes…