AFP concerned over increased swarming in WPS
By J.Lo
"Increased presence of Chinese fishing vessels raises concerns regarding potential implications for Philippines' maritime security, fisheries conservation, territorial integrity, and preservation of marine environment," Armed Forces of the Philippines- Western Command (AFP-WESCOM) said AFP raised concern over "resurgence" of Chinese swarming activity in West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Aerial patrols conducted by AFP-WESCOM on September 6 and 7 detected 23 Chinese fishing vessels in Rozul (Iroquois) Reef, located south of oil- and gas-rich Recto Bank.
Philippine military also spotted presence of five Chinese vessels in Escoda (Sabina) Shoal and two vessels in Baragatan (Nares) Bank.
Sabina Shoal serves as navigational marker indicating approach to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, where Chinese shadowing of Philippine vessels typically takes place.
It stressed swarming activities have been "source of tension" in WPS and have contributed to instability in the region.
Routine air patrol conducted by Philippine Navy on August 24 also detected 33 Chinese fishing vessels in Iroquois Reef. Military noted that past swarming events in the area led to massive coral harvesting.
Same air patrol also reported swarming activity in Escoda Shoal.
"Repeated swarming incidents in both Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal emphasize continuous violation of Philippine sovereign rights and jurisdiction in its western border," Western Command said.
Tensions escalated between Manila and Beijing in August when Chinese Coast Guard vessels used water cannons against Philippine vessels taking supplies to Filipino troops stationed on Ayungin Shoal.
Beijing claims majority of South China Sea, including parts that Manila calls West Philippine Sea, despite an arbitration ruling in 2016 declaring this has no legal basis.
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