Chinese aircraft carrier reportedly detected near the Philippines

By Serdar Dincel

ISTANBUL (AA) - The Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong was reportedly detected near the Philippines, local media reported on Sunday.

It was spotted sailing northwest from the Luzon Island of the Philippines in the disputed South China Sea, the South China Morning Post said, citing a satellite image provided by the Shanghai-based satellite imaging and analysis firm MizarVision.

Tensions in the South China Sea have heightened in recent months amid frequent encounters between the vessels of China and the Philippines.

While Beijing accused Manila of “violating” the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea, the latter called China's claims “deceptive and misleading.”

​​​​​​​The two maritime neighbors have conflicting claims over the Second Thomas Shoal -- also known as the Ayungin Shoal, Bai Co May, and Ren'ai Jiao -- a submerged reef in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.