The government of the Philippines says it has logged what it calls "illegal incursions" into its waters by 287 boats with Chinese militia aboard.<br /><br />The country's task force on the South China sea said in a statement that the incident may prompt possible diplomatic actions.<br /><br />It's the latest sign of cracks in the relationship between China and the Philippines after a period of warming.<br /><br />Philippines' foreign ministry has repeatedly complained to China in recent weeks about Chinese vessels in its waters<br /><br />The country has also boosted its presence in the South China Sea by sending more patrols in the area, even though President Rodrigo Duterte is pro-China.<br /><br />China claims almost the entire South China Sea, but the borders have long been disputed by several countries in the region.<br /><br />Chinese officials have previously denied there are militia aboard its fishing boats.<br /><br />- Reuters -
