Chinese fleet ‘closest’ ever to Pag-asa island

MANILA, Philippines — Chinese maritime forces operated “very close” to Pag-asa (Thitu) Island over the weekend, deploying a flotilla to harass Sunday’s humanitarian mission for local fishermen, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela said on Monday. That fleet, consisting of more than 15 Chinese maritime militia ships, five China