Philippines concerned as hundreds of Chinese ships gather in one area in the South China Sea
The Philippine government expressed concern after discovering about 220 Chinese ships gathered in an area of the South China Sea.
The Philippine Inquirer newspaper quoted Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. as saying he was waiting for a request from the military to file a formal protest over the matter.
|
| Photo: Rappler |
NTF-WPS - National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea - as Filipinos call itEast Seasaid it had received verified reports from the Coast Guard that about 220 Chinese fishing vessels appeared near a reef on March 7.
“The NTF-WPS notes this situation as a concern due to the potential for overfishing and destruction of the marine environment, as well as risks to maritime safety,” the task force said in a statement.
The Inquirer quoted the NTF-WPS as saying that the vessels were anchored in formation and were “believed to be manned by Chinese militiamen.” The group showed no signs of “actual fishing” and were found with their lights on at night despite clear weather.
On the morning of March 21, Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. wrote on Twitter that he was still waiting for orders to file a diplomatic protest. The official said he would wait for a request from the generals and if there was an order, "even on Sunday, I would protest."
In January 2021, the Philippines protested China's new Coast Guard Law, which allows for the opening fire on foreign vessels. Manila called it a "threat of war."
