The Philippines expressed concern on Sunday over the increasing number of Chinese vessels “swarming” a reef off its coast. The boats, which the Philippines refers to as “Chinese maritime militia vessels” (CMM), were dispersed and scattered within the boomerang-shaped Whitsun Reef, also known as Julian Felipe Reef. Located around 320 kilometers (200 miles) west of Palawan Island, Whitsun Reef is more than 1,000 kilometers away from the nearest major Chinese landmass of Hainan Island.
According to the Philippine Coast Guard, the number of Chinese vessels in the area has risen from 111 on November 13 to over 135 as of the deployment of two patrol boats on Saturday. Despite radio challenges issued by the Philippine Coast Guard, the Chinese vessels did not respond, leading Manila to describe their presence as “alarming” and “illegal.”
China’s claim over most of the South China Sea, including waters and islands close to its neighbors’ shores, has been a contentious issue. Beijing has disregarded an international tribunal decision that found its assertion to have no legal basis. In response to its claims, China has deployed vessels to patrol the waters and has constructed artificial islands and military installations to reinforce its stance.
Other countries in the region, such as the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam, have also staked their claims to various islands and reefs in the South China Sea. These areas are believed to have significant petroleum reserves beneath their waters.
The Philippine Coast Guard released images on Sunday that showed Chinese vessels lined up in formation, while others were scattered throughout the waters. This incident is reminiscent of a similar event in 2021 when over 200 Chinese vessels were present at the reef, leading to a diplomatic dispute between Manila and Beijing.
During that time, the Philippines argued that the incursion of Chinese vessels into its exclusive economic zone was unlawful. However, China maintained that the vessels were merely seeking shelter from bad weather and had the right to be there.
In response to the growing tensions, the Philippines announced on Friday that it would establish a coast guard station on the largest island it holds in the South China Sea. The purpose of this station is to enhance the monitoring of Chinese vessels in the area. Equipped with advanced systems such as radar, satellite communication, coastal cameras, and vessel traffic management, the coast guard station is expected to be operational early next year.
As the situation in the South China Sea continues to evolve, it remains a topic of concern for countries in the region and the international community. The presence of Chinese vessels near the Philippines’ coast raises questions about maritime security and territorial disputes. It is crucial for all parties involved to engage in peaceful dialogue and adhere to international laws and agreements to ensure stability and cooperation in the region.
Source: The Manila Times
