Shocking images show Chinese ships have spent months lurking around hotly disputed areas of the South China Sea. Vessels have been present at the Scarborough Shoal, off the Philippines, for five months, at Vanguard Bank, to the south of Vietnam, for three months, and at the Union Banks, where China and Vietnam have outposts, for seven months. China’s coast guard and military remain ever-present as it claims sovereignty over most of the region – despite countries disagreeing with their declaration. Dr Collin Koh, a Research Fellow from RSIS added: “China uses the maritime militia to bolster claims in the disputed waters, and so does Vietnam despite them investing in building up their navies and maritime law enforcement agencies.