Philippines stands up to Beijing in South China sea tussle

«We're scared of China,» fisherman Benjo Atay says as wind and rain batter his small bamboo boat on the island of Palawan in the Philippines.

He shouts orders at his young crew, most of them family, as they haul on ropes to navigate out of the port. They are already bathed in salt water and sweat — but it is not the weather that frightens them.

«The Chinese ships circle us and shadow us,» he says. «When we are anchored… they would force us to leave. They would get rid of us.»

The Philippines is at the centre of a tense territorial standoff with Beijing in the South China Sea.

It is among several countries that have protested against a map issued by China this week which reiterated its claim to over 90% of the sea.

Where previously Manila may have softly whimpered at China's actions to block its ships, its voice has now soared to a roar, emboldened by support from Washington and its allies.

«We are worried [about rising tensions], of course, but that doesn't daunt us,» said Jonathan E Malaya, the assistant director general of the Philippines National Security Council.

In recent months, the Philippines has given the US access to key military bases, hosted the largest-ever joint military drills between the two countries, and repeatedly called out Beijing's aggression in the South China Sea. Even as Philippine and Chinese coastguards engage in a now-familiar cat-and-mouse game on the disputed waters, Manila has announced plans to train fishermen to protect their territory out at sea.

The message is clear. «If you are a Filipino, whether in government or [the] private sector, regardless of your politics, defending and making excuses for China's aggressive behaviour should deem you unpatriotic, and a traitor to the Philippines