The government of Philippines lodged a protest with China’s government over the presence of a large number of Chinese vessels off Thitu Island, a disputed island in the South China Sea. As reported by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, more than 600 Chinese vessels sailed the waters near the island in the past months, maintaining a presence of up to nearly 90 vessels at a time.
Mainly, the presidency of Rodrido Duterte seeks warmer relations with China, from 2016 when he took office, despite tensions over disputed land features in the South China Sea.
In the meantime, Reuters reports that the Department of Foreign Affairs protested against the vessels near the Philippines-occupied island, spokesman Salvador Panelo commented on a regular news conference. The Chinese ambassador said they were fishing boats, according to Reuters.
Moreover, Panelo asked
The mere fact that they are there and just staying there for a week, why, what are they doing there?
He continued that it would seem strange if the vessels were doing circles. On the contrary, when they are just staying still they could be just watching.
When you say circling, it could mean you intend to do something. But if you are stationary, you could just be watching.
The Philippines monitored up to 200 Chinese boats near Thitu from January to March.
Continuing, the Philippines, China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Brunei and Malaysia have competing claims of sovereignty in the waterway, a conduit for in excess of $3.4 trillion of goods.
As Zhao Jianhua, China’s ambassador to the Philippines commented, both Chinese and Filipino fishermen are present in the waters circling the island. Also, he denied the allegations that Chinese fishermen were armed.
The publicity of the diplomatic protest came as the Philippines and US, a treaty ally, launched an annual joint military exercise involving roughly 7,500 troops, including 50 from Australia.
They are aimed at enhancing response to natural disasters.
Concluding, the previous month, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo assured the Philippines it would come to its defence if it came under attack in the South China Sea.
