 Marine vessels at Whitsun Reef on March 9, 2021. | |
| Date | March 21, 2021[a] |
|---|---|
| Location | Whitsun Reef, South China Sea[b] |
| Coordinates | 9°59′12.8″N 114°38′52.1″E / 9.986889°N 114.647806°E |
| Type | Diplomatic incident |
| Cause | South China Sea disputes; Presence of Chinese ships at Whitsun Reef |
| Participants | About 220 Chinese fishing boats allegedly to be part of a militia by the Philippines; Government of China, Philippines and Vietnam. |
On March 22, 2021, a diplomatic incident started after the Philippines filed a diplomatic protest against China due to the presence of more than 200 Chinese fishing vessels at Whitsun Reef as early as March 7, 2021. The reef is part of the contested Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.
The Chinese presence at Whitsun Reef caused tensions, with the Philippines alleging that the ships are part of a militia and the mooring of the ships at the reef is a prelude to a Chinese takeover of the maritime feature. China denied such allegations, claiming that the ships were seeking shelter at the reef due to rough weather conditions. Both countries claim sovereignty over Whitsun Reef, as does Vietnam which has filed its own protest against Chinese presence in the reef.
Over time, the Chinese presence in the Whitsun Reef declined. However, the ships' dispersal to other parts of the Spratly Islands prolonged diplomatic tensions.
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