1-2-2024 (MANILA) The Philippine navy has raised concerns about the escalating presence of Chinese warships and maritime militia vessels around Mischief Reef in the disputed South China Sea. President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr has vowed to uphold the country’s sovereignty and has called for dialogue with Beijing in response to the situation.
According to Navy spokesman Roy Vincent Trinidad, approximately 200 vessels, including coastguard fleets, have been observed swarming around the outcrop, located approximately 37km away from Second Thomas Shoal, where Filipino troops are stationed aboard a rusty old warship.
The Philippines grounded the BRP Sierra Madre in 1999 to reinforce its claim to Second Thomas Shoal, referred to as Ayungin by the Philippines. Mischief Reef has been under China’s control since 1995 and hosts a military base.
Trinidad noted that Chinese vessels, including those from the South Sea Fleet, are frequently deployed to various parts of the resource-rich waterway, with their presence remaining consistent over the years.
The rising number of militia vessels is a particular concern for the Philippine military, as they could pose a threat to Filipino troops patrolling the contested sea. Despite Beijing’s naval presence, Trinidad affirmed that the Philippine military remains committed to supporting its personnel in the region, despite past confrontations with the Chinese coastguard.
Marcos, while concluding a state visit to Hanoi, emphasised the Philippines’ commitment to defending its sovereignty while seeking peaceful dialogue with China as equal sovereign states. The Philippines and Vietnam also signed agreements aimed at managing incidents in the South China Sea and establishing communication links between their coastguards.
Marcos highlighted the importance of both the United States and China in maintaining peace, security, and economic growth in the region. Manila intends to deepen military ties with Washington while facing accusations from Beijing of allowing foreign interference in the South China Sea.
Beijing claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, rejecting a 2016 international ruling favouring Manila’s claims and deeming China’s assertions as legally unfounded.
Meanwhile, the Philippine military announced plans for larger annual Balikatan exercises with US troops in April, involving additional drills in strategic locations across the country, including islands facing Taiwan. Last year, over 17,000 defence personnel participated in the joint exercises.
