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From Our Own Correspondent: A dispute in the South China Sea

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A dispute in the South China Sea

17/04/2021 GMT

BBC World Service - From Our Own Correspondent, A dispute in the South China Sea

The Philippines launches a protest against China’s actions at the Whitsun reef

The Philippines and China clash in the Spratly Islands, plus stories from Italy, Pakistan and France

Stories from the South China Sea, Italy, Pakistan and France.

The South China Sea has long been a hotly disputed region. This week Manila summoned the Chinese Ambassador over what it describes as the “lingering presence” of Chinese boats in its internationally recognised waters. It’s the latest in a three-week spat between the two countries following the amassing of around 200 large ships at Whitsun Reef within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone.  China claims they are fishing vessels, sheltering from bad weather, but the Philippine government say they are militia boats, encroaching on its territory. Howard Johnson explains why this region could become a flashpoint.

In Turin, we join climate activist Greta Thunberg. Greta has gained global notoriety for championing the cause of climate change. Her influence is being described as the Greta effect. And undoubtedly, things are changing: over the last few years, several countries have announced “net zero emissions” by 2050 and the US and China have pledged to make climate change a priority. Joe Myerscough spent time with her in Turin working on a new BBC series and learnt a bit more about the personality behind the public figure.

Covid infections are on the rise again in Pakistan, amid a third wave in the region. The country has once again imposed lockdown restrictions. But there is one young man who has been using the time at home to perfect his impersonation of Charlie Chaplin. Whenever lockdown restrictions are lifted he takes to the streets in his coat tails and bowler hat – to the alarm and entertainment of those on the streets of Peshawar. Rani Singh watched him.

Rule-breaking has been a feature of the long period of restrictions in a number of countries during the pandemic.  Like many cities, Parisians have been particularly pained by the closure of their restaurants and brasseries. But for those in the know, there have been some secret arrangements, which recently made headlines in France. Joanna Robertson has been on the trail of the clandestine dinners.

(Image: A Philippine flag on a coast guard boat as they patrol past Chinese vessels on the waters of Whitsun Reef, in the Spratly Islands, Philippines. Credit: European Pressphoto Agency/PCG)

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