The Philippines has raised serious concerns over China’s alleged “swarming” of Whitsun Reef, located in the South China Sea, as more than 135 military boats were identified in the area. The Philippines’ Coast Guard reported that these vessels were “dispersed and scattered” within the vicinity of Whitsun Reef, asserting that the reef falls within its exclusive economic zone. The growing presence of these military boats has been deemed “alarming” by the Philippines.
Whitsun Reef, referred to as Julian Felipe Reef by the Philippines, is situated approximately 320km (200 miles) west of Palawan Island, a considerable distance from the nearest major Chinese landmass, Hainan Island, which is over 1,000km away.
The Philippines’ Coast Guard emphasized that the number of Chinese maritime militia vessels in the region has increased, exceeding the 111 recorded in November. As of now, there has been no official response from China.
Tensions between China and the Philippines have escalated since Ferdinand Marcos Jr assumed the presidency last year. In response to the perceived threat, the Philippines recently conducted joint air and sea patrols with both the US and Australia.
The South China Sea remains a focal point of a territorial dispute involving China, the Philippines, and other nations. An international tribunal invalidated China’s claim to 90% of the South China Sea in 2016, a decision not recognized by Beijing, which has continued constructing islands in the contested waters.
The contested waters have also become a source of friction in China-US relations. In October, US President Joe Biden emphasized the US commitment to defending the Philippines in the event of any attack, following two collisions between Filipino and Chinese vessels. Other nations, including Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Brunei, also assert claims to parts of the South China Sea. Source – BBC
