🇵🇭🇨🇳 The Philippines has deployed its largest coast guard ship to drive a Chinese research vessel away from waters near Taiwan, accusing it of conducting unauthorized research inside Manila’s exclusive economic zone. The BRP Teresa Magbanua closed to within 100 yards of the Chinese ship, while a smaller Philippine boat circled it and issued radio challenges as the vessel repeatedly maneuvered away. A China Coast Guard ship then arrived to shield the research vessel and challenged the Philippine ship, but Manila says its operation forced the research vessel from its loitering position. After years of Chinese water cannons, ramming and aggressive maneuvers, Manila is now confronting Chinese vessels far more boldly. Source: Reuters / Writer: Mhedi