The number of Chinese civilian vessels near Thitu Island, a key Philippine naval base in the South China Sea, has increased. However, a senior officer of the country's navy commented that there is nothing to worry about. The British news agency Reuters reported on the satellite images published on Thursday (November 28).
Vice Admiral Alfonso Torres, head of the Philippine Western Command, said it was normal for the ships to come here. Manila, the Pentagon and foreign diplomats believe these ships coordinate with China's coast guard and navy to strengthen Beijing's presence.
About 60 vessels were seen in images taken by Maxar Technologies on Monday. Some of these are only two nautical miles from Thitu Island. The island known as Pag-Asa in the Philippines is a strategic location in the South China Sea. Manila monitors the movement of Chinese ships and aircraft from here.
“We are aware of the ships,” said Rear Admiral Roy Trinidad, spokesman for the Philippine Navy's South China Sea affairs. These are called illegal presence. But there is nothing to worry about.
He also said that it is not necessary to react to every issue. It is important for us to maintain our position.
According to online vessel tracking sites, most of the satellite images are Chinese-registered fishing vessels.
Reuters did not respond to a request for comment from the Chinese Ministry of Defense.
Thitu Island is the largest and most strategically important island in the Philippines. Although this region of the South China Sea is primarily claimed by China, the location is crucial for the transportation of billions of dollars worth of goods each year. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that Beijing's claims to rights in the South China Sea had no basis in international law.
Chinese coast guard and fishing vessels and Philippine vessels have clashed in recent months near the Scarborough Islands and Second Thomas Shoals.
Thitu Island is located near China's Subi Reef naval base and runway. The base sometimes serves as a port for Chinese ships. Trinidad said, on the way to and from Subi, one has to pass through the Pag-Asar border.
Diplomats and security analysts are keeping a close eye on the activities of Chinese vessels in the region. Chinese ships had their transponders operational this week, making it easier to monitor their movements.
Colin Koh, a Singapore-based security expert, believes the incident may be part of China's monitoring of Manila's response. Especially because of the country's political situation, Beijing may not want to miss the opportunity to check Manila's situation.
There has been drama in the Philippine political scene. Philippine Vice President Duterte on Wednesday accused President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of trying to remove him from office.
A number of steps have been taken recently to increase the Philippines' presence and monitoring capabilities on Thitu Island. That includes a hangar, which is scheduled to be completed in a few weeks.
Koh added, it needs to be closely monitored in the coming days. He felt that the continued presence of Chinese vessels could delay Philippine construction projects on Thitu Island, especially the hangar.
