Chinese navy ship, militia vessels discovered ‘slowly loitering’ close to disputed island, says Philippines

Thitu within the Spratly island chain is Manila’s largest and most strategically essential outpost within the South China Sea, a physique of water largely claimed by Beijing the place a number of international locations have conflicting territorial claims.

New Delhi,UPDATED: Mar 5, 2023 03:00 IST

A view of Philippine occupied (Pagasa) Thitu island in disputed South China Sea (Photo: Reuters/File)

By Reuters: The Philippines stated on Saturday it had noticed a Chinese navy ship and dozens of militia vessels round a contested Philippine-occupied island within the South China Sea, as territorial tensions mount within the space.

The Philippine Coast Guard stated 42 vessels believed to be crewed by Chinese maritime militia personnel had been seen within the neighborhood of Thitu island, whereas a Chinese navy vessel and coast guard ship had been noticed “slowly loitering” within the surrounding waters.

The Chinese embassy in Manila didn’t instantly reply to a request for touch upon the assertion.

Thitu within the Spratly island chain is Manila’s largest and most strategically essential outpost within the South China Sea, a physique of water largely claimed by Beijing the place a number of international locations have conflicting territorial claims.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr stated two weeks in the past the Philippines “will not lose an inch” of territory because the Southeast Asian protested China’s “aggressive activities” within the sea.

Locally often known as Pag-asa, Thitu lies about 300 miles (480 km) west of the western Philippine province of Palawan. Home to over 400 folks, together with army and regulation enforcement personnel, the island is utilized by Manila to take care of its territorial declare.

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Experts say China’s fishing fleet and coast guard are central to its strategic ambitions within the South China Sea, sustaining a relentless presence that complicates fishing and offshore power actions by different coastal states.

“Their continuing unauthorised presence is clearly inconsistent with the right of innocent passage and a blatant violation of the Philippines’ territorial integrity,” the coast guard stated in a press release.

Marcos final month summoned the Chinese ambassador to complain concerning the depth and frequency of China’s actions within the South China Sea.

The Philippines has filed 77 complaints in opposition to China’s actions within the sea, together with a declare {that a} Chinese coast guard ship on Feb. 6 directed a “military-grade laser” at one a Philippine coast guard ship on a provide mission.

China claims sovereignty over the Spratlys, whereas Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam all have competing claims for some or all the islands.

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Published On:

Mar 5, 2023