9-7-2023 (MANILA) The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has promised to “expose” China’s alleged aggression in the West Philippine Sea as Chinese ships reportedly occupy disputed areas. Last June 30, two PCG ships were “constantly followed, harassed and obstructed” by China Coast Guard vessels during a resupply mission for the Philippine Navy ship BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal. The Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Command also spotted roughly 52 Chinese military and fishing boats around Del Pilar (Iroquois) Reef and Escoda (Sabina) Shoal.
PCG Commodore Jay Tarriela, who speaks for the government’s task force on the West Philippine Sea, said 48 were Chinese maritime militia vessels, three were China Coast Guard ships, and two were vessels from the People’s Liberation Army-Navy of China. Tarriela claimed that the area of Del Pilar Reef and Escoda Shoal, located in the southern part of Recto (Reed) Bank, has “a lot of service contracts when it comes to oil exploration.”
The PCG’s current strategy is to “publicize Chinese aggression,” which Tarriela claimed it has found “very effective.” By exposing it, the PCG and the AFP will be able to “drive away” the Chinese ships using military ships. The United States has already criticised the reported Chinese aggression at Ayungin Shoal last June 30.
Meanwhile, the Italian government is promoting free trade and free navigation in the Indo-Pacific region, South China Sea and West Philippine Sea. Italian Ambassador to the Philippines Marco Clemente said that one of the goals of the ITS Morosini, Italy’s newest high-tech ship, is to promote stability in international seas such as the West Philippine sea. Clemente added that the Italian government is interested in the stability of the region and is promoting its shipping industry.
The ITS Morosini is docked at the South Harbor of Pier 15 to promote Italy’s bilateral relationship with the Philippines. The ship is characterised by high operational flexibility, designed with enhanced dual-use features to perform both military tasks, including patrol, logistic transport and surface combat, as well as civil protection activities.
