Philippines claims spotting ‘swarm of Chinese vessels’ in disputed waters

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – Amid fresh escalation in the disputed South China Sea, the Philippines on Friday claimed spotting a “swarm of Chinese vessels within” the exclusive economic zones of the Southeast Asian nation.

Armed Forces of Philippines (AFP) called it “alarming” and a “potential threat” to Iroquois Reef and Sabina Shoal.

“As many as 48 Chinese fishing vessels were recently spotted in Iroquois Reef,” a statement by the AFP’s Western Command said.

The AFP based its analysis after conducting air patrols over the region, south of the Recto Bank in the West Philippine Sea, on June 30, Daily Inquirer reported.

“During multiple flights over Iroquois Reef in the past week, pilots observed an alarming presence of Chinese fishing vessels. The swarming of Chinese fishing vessels there is quite visible from the air,” Army Lt. Edgard Abogado said.

Manila and Beijing have counter-claims in the disputed South China Sea.

The AFP said the Chinese fishing vessels were anchored in groups of five to seven but saw “no fishing activities.”

Manila’s new claims come after it had accused China of “blocking” the passage of its two vessels around Ayungin Shoal in the disputed South China Sea on June 30.

But Beijing denied the charge and said the Filipino vessels “intruded” into the waters off the Ren’ai Reef without Chinese permission on June 30.

“Ren’ai Reef is part of China's Nansha Islands,” said Wang.

Ayungin Shoal is known as Ren’ai Reef in China.

Filipino Commodore Jay Tarriela, a spokesman for the Philippines Coast Guard (PCG), said Friday that Manila’s “efforts to expose China's aggressive actions in recent months have resulted in some changes in the behavior of the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG), particularly in terms of how they shadow our PCG vessels.”

“Now they (CCG) trail behind them (PCG) because they are concerned about being caught on camera engaged in their aggressive behaviors,” he added.

In April, China and the Philippines made conflicting claims about an incident involving vessels from the maritime neighbors.

The PCG had said: "On the morning of April 23, 2023, two Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels intercepted the PCG vessels that were in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal."

However, Beijing claimed Manila’s vessels allegedly intruded into its waters.