Chinese ships gather near key Philippine island as tensions rise in South China Sea
About 60 Chinese vessels spotted near Philippines-controlled Thitu Island in South China Sea. Manilaʼs navy officials maintain calm despite the build-up‚ calling it a common occurrence in disputed waters
Satellite photos from early-Nov show a group of Chinese ships (around 60 of em) hanging out super-close to Thitu Island - a key spot that Philippines owns in South China Sea
Vice Admiral Alfonso Torres from Philippines Western Command says its just business-as-usual: these maritime militia boats often show up in the area. The ships which are mostly Chinese-registered fishing boats stay within 2 nautical miles of the island
The place called Pag-Asa by locals sits near a Chinese-built base on Subi reef - making it extra-important for keeping an eye on things. Rear Admiral Roy Trinidad points out that ships going to-and-from Subi have to pass through Pag-Asas waters; even though he calls their presence illegal its not making anyone lose sleep
Recent months have been kinda rough with ships from both sides bumping into each other at places like Second Thomas Shoal. The whole thing gets more interesting cause Manilaʼs building a new plane-hangar on the island (should be done real soon) and theres some political drama going on back home between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and his vice-president
The court in Hague said back in 2016 that China cant claim the whole sea but Beijing doesnt seem to care much about that. Lots of goods move through these waters every year - which is why everyone keeps such a close eye on whats happening here
- Chinese boats have their tracking devices turned on
- Philippines keeps building stuff on the island
- Both sides watch each other real careful
- Its all happening near Chinas Subi reef base
Its not a cause for concern... What is important for us is to maintain our posture
