Christmas convoy to cheer up Filipino troops on disputed shoal ‘ill advised’

News Snapshot:

A planned Christmas convoy of 40 boats aiming to bring the festive spirit to Filipino troops on a disputed shoal has been described as “ill advised” by the country’s security officials, who warned of heightened tensions with Beijing in the South China Sea. The Philippines National Security Council has advised against the convoy’s planned trip, warning it is a time of “heightened tensions”. About 40 boats, which will be decorated with nativity figures and traditional parol lanterns, have volunteered to take part in the mission, which aims to take donations to fisherfolk in the South China Sea, as well as...