7-7-2023 (MANILA) Concerns arise as over 50 Chinese vessels swarm near Iroquois Reef and Sabina Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, according to recent air patrols conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
During air patrols on June 30, the Western Command (Wescom) of the AFP reported the presence of at least 48 Chinese fishing vessels near Iroquois Reef, located south of the resource-rich Recto Bank in the West Philippine Sea.
In addition, the AFP detected five Chinese Coast Guard and People’s Liberation Army Navy vessels near Sabina Shoal.
Pilots aboard the Philippine Navy’s Britten Norman Islander light patrol aircraft, NV312, observed the “swarming” of Chinese fishing vessels during multiple flights over Iroquois Reef. The pilots noted that the vessels were visibly clustered in groups of five to seven, with no signs of fishing activities.
“The Chinese fishing vessels seem to just loiter in the area,” said Lieutenant Karla Andres, co-pilot of NV312.
The increased presence of Chinese fishing vessels and naval vessels is a cause for concern, indicating potential intentions and actions within the disputed waters, according to Wescom. The military will compile detailed reports, which could be used as a basis for a diplomatic protest against China.
“The reports will be forwarded to higher authorities as a crucial step towards potential diplomatic action, reaffirming our commitment to protecting Philippine sovereignty and territorial rights in the West Philippine Sea,” Wescom stated.
Recto Bank, situated within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), holds significant importance, and Wescom spokesperson Ariel Coloma stressed the need for China to respect the Philippines’ sovereign rights by ceasing the swarming of vessels.
In 2019, a collision between a Chinese vessel and a Filipino boat near Recto Bank resulted in the sinking of the Filipino vessel. The Chinese boat allegedly abandoned the 22 Filipino crew members, leaving them at the mercy of the elements, as described by then-Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.
