Over 60 Chinese Vessels Encircle Disputed Philippine Island, Satellite Images Reveal

Satellite images have revealed about 60 Chinese vessels crowding near Thitu Island, a key territory controlled by the Philippines in the South China Sea.

The photos taken by Maxar Technologies and reviewed by Reuters show some ships two nautical miles from the island.

Thitu Island, locally called Pag-Asa, is the Philippines’ most important outpost in the region, and it is used to monitor Chinese activities in these busy waters.

The head of the Philippines’ Western Command, Vice Admiral Alfonso Torres, tried to calm concerns, saying it’s normal for Chinese maritime militia ships to gather in the area. “It’s not a cause for concern,” he said.

Rear Admiral Roy Trinidad, a spokesperson for the Philippine Navy, describes the ships’ presence as “illegal” but adds that there’s no reason to panic.

“We don’t have to react to everything they do. What matters is we stay firm in our position,” he explained.

These so-called fishing vessels, many registered in China, are believed to work closely with the Chinese coast guard and navy.

However, China has never officially acknowledged the existence of a maritime militia, and its defense ministry has not commented on the recent buildup.

Chinese and Philippine vessels have been involved in months of clashes, especially around Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal. Thitu Island sits near Subi Reef, where China has built a naval base and runway.

Security experts believe the gathering might be a move by China to test the Philippines’ reaction, especially given the current political tension in Manila.

Collin Koh, a security analyst based in Singapore, says that China could be trying to delay construction on Thitu Island. The Philippines is reportedly building an aircraft hangar there, which is expected to be finished soon. “This situation needs to be watched closely,” Koh warned.

Reference: Reuters

Source: Maritime Shipping News