Chinese Maritime Militia Presence in West Philippine Sea Raises Concerns
The recent stranding of a Chinese maritime militia vessel near Pag-asa (Thitu) Island in the Kalayaan Island Group has stirred tensions in the West Philippine Sea. Philippine Navy officials stress that China’s presence in Philippine maritime zones is illegal and should end immediately. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges in the disputed waters.
Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, spokesperson for the Philippine Navy in the West Philippine Sea, condemned China’s “coercive and aggressive” actions. He also criticized their “deceptive” messaging, which he said has fueled unrest in the region. “The Chinese Communist Party and their agents in the maritime domain—the PLA Navy, Chinese Coast Guard, and maritime militia—should leave the maritime zones of the Philippines. They are the foreign power interfering in the West Philippine Sea,” Trinidad stated during a press briefing in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Prepared for Any Contingency
The Philippine Navy has contingency plans to respond to all Chinese activities in the West Philippine Sea, including incidents like the recent grounding on June 7. The military reported that a Chinese maritime militia vessel ran aground near Pag-asa Island due to bad weather conditions. Fortunately, the vessel was refloated with assistance from a China Coast Guard ship and smaller boats. A floating marker was left at the site of the stranding.
Fishermen residing on Pag-asa Island expressed fears that this event could set a dangerous precedent. They worry China might replicate the Philippines’ tactic of deliberately grounding the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal. “In the Philippine Navy and in the Armed Forces, we do not deal [with] speculation. Nevertheless, we have appropriate contingencies in place for any eventuality,” Trinidad assured.
Environmental Impact and Military Monitoring
Initial investigations by the Philippine Navy revealed no environmental damage to Pag-asa’s reefs from the Chinese vessel’s grounding. This offers some relief amid the ongoing maritime disputes.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines monitored a total of 41 Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea throughout May. Most were spotted in Bajo de Masinloc (also known as Scarborough or Panatag Shoal), including 15 China Coast Guard ships and 11 PLA Navy vessels. Additionally, four CCG ships and four PLA Navy vessels were seen near Pag-asa Island, while six CCG and one PLA Navy ship operated near Ayungin Shoal.
The continued presence of these foreign vessels underscores the complexity of enforcing sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea. Local leaders and maritime authorities remain vigilant, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution that respects the Philippines’ sovereign rights.
For more news and updates on the West Philippine Sea, visit Filipinokami.com.