Philippines says its ships have ‘every right’ to be near Scarborough Shoal

China seized control of Scarborough Shoal more than a decade ago and has deployed coastguard and other vessels to block or restrict access to the area [File: Ted Aljibe/AFP]

The Philippines has said its vessels have “every right” to operate around Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea after Beijing claimed the ships entered the area illegally.

“Under international law, the Philippines has the right to patrol the length and breadth of the West Philippines Sea which necessarily includes Bajo de Masinloc,” National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano said in a statement on Tuesday, referring to the South China Sea and using the Philippine name for Scarborough Shoal.