14-9-2023 (MANILA) The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) expressed concern on Thursday over a resurgence of Chinese swarming activity in the West Philippine Sea. Recent aerial patrols conducted by the AFP’s Western Command on September 6 and 7 revealed the presence of 23 Chinese fishing vessels in Rozul (Iroquois) Reef, situated south of the oil- and gas-rich Recto Bank.
In addition, the Philippine military spotted five Chinese vessels in Escoda (Sabina) Shoal and two vessels in Baragatan (Nares) Bank. Sabina Shoal serves as a navigational marker for Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, where Chinese vessels often shadow Philippine vessels.
The Western Command expressed concerns about the increased presence of Chinese fishing vessels, citing potential implications for the Philippines’ maritime security, fisheries conservation, territorial integrity, and the preservation of the marine environment. It also noted that swarming activities have been a source of tension in the West Philippine Sea, contributing to regional instability.
During a routine air patrol conducted by the Philippine Navy on August 24, 33 Chinese fishing vessels were detected in Iroquois Reef. The military highlighted that previous swarming incidents in the area had resulted in extensive coral harvesting. The air patrol also reported swarming activity in Escoda Shoal.
“The repeated swarming incidents in both Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal emphasize the continuous violation of Philippine sovereign rights and jurisdiction in its western border,” stated the Western Command.
Tensions between Manila and Beijing escalated in August when Chinese Coast Guard vessels used water cannons against Philippine vessels delivering supplies to Filipino troops stationed on Ayungin Shoal. Despite a 2016 arbitration ruling declaring China’s claims to the majority of the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea, as having no legal basis, Beijing maintains its territorial assertions.
