135 Ch vessels 'swarming' Julian Felipe Reef
By J.Lo
Philippine Coast Guard
"No response was made to radio challenges issued by PCG to CMM vessels," Philippine Coast Guard, after deploying two boats to conduct patrols in vicinity of Julian Felipe Reef said more than 135 Chinese maritime militia vessels were monitored in vicinity of Julian Felipe (Whitsun) Reef in West Philippine Sea.
PCG initially observed on November 13, 111 Chinese vessels swarming Julian Felipe Reef, which is part of Kalayaan Island Group in contested waterway.
Number of Chinese militia vessels rose to 125 based on military's monitoring, and over the weekend, over 135 boats were "dispersed and scattered" in the area, according to Coast Guard.
PCG described growing presence of Chinese vessels in the reef as "alarming development."
Julian Felipe Reef is located 175 nautical miles, or around 320 kilometers, west of Bataraza town in Palawan. Reef is more than 1,000 kilometers from nearest major Chinese landmass of Hainan island.
Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, commandant of PCG, said Coast Guard will consistently patrol West Philippine Sea in collaboration with components of National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea.
China asserts sovereignty over almost entire South China Sea, despite international court ruling in 2016 deemed its stance to have no legal basis.
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