Chinese fishermen harvested giant clams off the Philippines' Pag-asa (Thitu) Island while Chinese ships sailed close to Burgos (Gaven) Reef, based on photos released by Filipino security forces.
The Philippines is demanding that China pull out its fishing and militia ships out of reefs and outcrops that both countries claim as their own. However, only Manila has the backing of a UN Arbitral Tribunal that invalidated Beijing's vast claims in a landmark ruling in 2016.
On Monday, the Department of Foreign Affairs summoned China's ambassdor to Manila on top of daily diplomatic protests.
WHAT WENT BEFORE:
In 'Utmost Displeasure', Manila Summons Chinese Ambassador
Philippines Keeping 'Options Open' on South China Sea
Standoff at Sea: Philippines Says Get Out, China Says Reef is Ours
WATCH: Chinese Ships, Illegal Structures on Philippine Reefs
In one of the photos released by the National Task Force West Philippine Sea, Chinese fishermen were caught harvesting giant clams in the vicinity of Pag-asa, the largest Filipino-occupied feature in the Kalayaan or Spratlys Islands.
PHOTOS: What Does Pagasa Island Look Like?
In another photo handout, over a hundred Chinese ships were spotted off Burgos (Gaven) Reef.
