The Philippine military has expressed concern over a recent uptick in Chinese swarming activity in the West Philippine Sea.
Aerial patrols conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on September 6 and 7 detected 23 Chinese fishing vessels in Rozul (Iroquois) Reef, south of the oil- and gas-rich Recto Bank. The military also spotted five Chinese vessels in Escoda (Sabina) Shoal and two vessels in Baragatan (Nares) Bank.
Sabina Shoal is a navigational marker near Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, where Chinese vessels have been known to shadow Philippine ships.
The AFP’s Western Command said the increased presence of Chinese fishing vessels raises concerns about the potential implications for Philippine maritime security, fisheries conservation, territorial integrity, and the preservation of the marine environment.
The command also said that swarming activities have been a source of tension in the West Philippine Sea and have contributed to instability in the region.
A routine air patrol conducted by the Philippine Navy on August 24 also detected 33 Chinese fishing vessels in Iroquois Reef. The military noted that past swarming events in the area have led to massive coral harvesting.
The same air patrol also reported swarming activity in Escoda Shoal.
Tensions between Manila and Beijing escalated in August when Chinese Coast Guard vessels used water cannons against Philippine vessels taking supplies to Filipino troops stationed on Ayungin Shoal.
China claims the majority of the South China Sea, including parts that Manila calls the West Philippine Sea, despite an arbitration ruling in 2016 declaring this has no legal basis.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 14, 2023
