A Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel has been observed shadowing a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship near Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal and monitoring Philippine vessels patrolling the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Retired US Air Force Col. Ray Powell reported that the CCG ship BRP Gabriela Silang was followed by CCG 3302, while six Qiong Sansha Yu militia ships were en route from Panganiban Reef to Panatag Shoal.
Powell also noted a Chinese flotilla forming near Reed (Recto) Bank, reminiscent of a previous Chinese operation off Vietnam.
The Philippines continues to assert its sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea, reaffirming its commitment to regional cooperation through platforms like the Pacific Islands Forum.
The Philippine government remains engaged in supporting regional stability and disaster resilience.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 10, 2024
