Tensions Rise Over South China Sea Fishing Rights

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said China has agreed to discuss fishing rights in the South China Sea, as he pushed for a "direct communication line" with Beijing on maritime differences. Marcos also said a Philippines-China "direct communication line" must be finally adopted, when asked about his thoughts on a recent maritime confrontation between the two countries. China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, with a "nine-dash line" on maps that stretches more than 1,500 km (930 miles) off its mainland and cuts into the exclusive economic zones of Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia.