[Vantage Point] Xi's flotilla blocks energy development in South China Sea

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article. Securing the Philippines’ EEZ is not only for the country's around 2.3 million local fisherfolk. It is also about attaining energy independence. On May 15, a convoy of about 100 civilian fishing boats will sail to Scarborough Shoal from Zambales to install buoys, a symbolic assertion that the shoal is ours. Two mother boats will be in the frontline, with the civilian mission aiming to invite foreign observers while delivering essential supplies for the fishermen operating within the western part of the country's…