The Philippines suggested the presence of hundreds of Chinese paramilitary ships “swarming” around a disputed reef risked military conflict in the latest escalation of
tensions in the South China Sea.
A senior aide to President Duterte of the Philippines said the “incursions” by hundreds of Chinese vessels into the disputed waters could “trigger unwanted hostilities that both countries would rather not pursue”.The remarks are the sternest yet from Manila since it filed a diplomatic protest two weeks ago about a “threatening” presence of 220 Chinese vessels around a reef that it claims as its own.
Salvador Panelo, chief legal counsel to Duterte, said the boats’ presence since last month in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone was an unwelcome strain on relations, adding: “We can negotiate on matters of mutual concern and benefit, but make no mistake about it — our sovereignty is non-negotiable.” Duterte’s spokesman, Harry Roque, said: “We will not give up even a single inch of our national territory or our exclusive economic zone.”
China maintains the vessels are simply fishing boats that have been taking shelter from the wind, and that they have the right to shelter and fish in “Chinese territory”.
Manila and independent analysts say they are vessels of the People’s Armed Forces Maritime Militia, which is part of the Chinese armed forces.
The Philippines has said 220 Chinese vessels were seen moored around Whitsun Reef, a boomerang-shaped feature that emerges above the water at low tide, on March 7. Satellite images showed the ships anchored in bunched-up lines. They have not appeared to be fishing, and they switch on powerful lights at night.