The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed on Thursday that at least 50 vessels belonging to the Chinese Maritime Militia have been spotted swarming around Rozul Reef, an area within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea.
According to Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, the swarming began on June 17 and appears to be an ongoing attempt by China to assert control over unoccupied maritime areas.
“These swarming activities are clearly meant to intimidate and assert territorial claims,” Tarriela said. “Rozul Reef is a vital fishing ground for Filipino fisherfolk, and their presence undermines our sovereign rights.”
Rozul Reef lies 113 nautical miles off Palawan, well within the Philippines’ EEZ as defined under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Two PCG vessels and an aircraft issued radio challenges to the militia ships, but none of the Chinese vessels responded.
“This behavior goes beyond freedom of navigation,” Tarriela added. “It’s a direct violation of our sovereign rights under international law.”
He noted that similar swarms have occurred before, though this is the largest yet. Tarriela believes public exposure of these illegal incursions may pressure China to withdraw its vessels.