The Philippine military has reported a concerning increase in the number of Chinese fishing vessels in disputed waters of the South China Sea. The military’s Western Command (WESCOM) stated that the number of Chinese fishing vessels near the Reed Bank has risen from a dozen in February to 47 as of last month. This surge in Chinese vessels poses a threat to the security of the oil and gas-rich Reed Bank. Ariel Coloma, spokesperson for the Western Command, called on China to respect the Philippines’ sovereign rights and cease the swarming of vessels. The Chinese embassy in Manila has not yet commented on the matter.
This development is particularly concerning as the Philippines won a landmark arbitration case in 2016 that invalidated China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea. The ruling clarified the Philippines’ sovereign rights in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), which includes access to offshore oil and gas fields like the Reed Bank. However, China refuses to recognize the ruling while the United States, a treaty ally of the Philippines, supports it.
The military has also observed the regular presence of three China Coast Guard ships and two Chinese navy vessels at Sabina Shoal, which is within the Philippine EEZ. These incursions further exacerbate concerns about China’s intentions and actions in the disputed waters.
In a call between U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Austin reiterated the United States’ unwavering commitment to defending its ally, including in the South China Sea.
On Wednesday, the Philippines accused the China Coast Guard of harassment, obstruction, and dangerous maneuvers against its vessels during another incident in the South China Sea.
It is evident that these alarming developments raise concerns about China’s intentions and actions in the disputed waters. The Philippines, backed by its allies, continues to assert its sovereign rights in the South China Sea.
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