China has reportedly stationed up to five ships around a disputed atoll in theSouth China Sea, preventing Filipino fishing vessels from accessing traditional fishing grounds. In a move that is likely to raise tensions in the disputed Spratly region, the Philippine Star newspaper said China began deploying ships to Quirino Atoll, also known as Jackson Atoll, after a fishing vessel recently ran aground in the area. It quoted unidentified Filipino fishermen and officials in the area. Read more
