THE number of Chinese militia and fishing vessels spotted near Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) has surged to at least 83, according to former US Air Force official and ex-defense attaché Ray Powell. This marks a significant increase from the 75 vessels reported by Powell on Tuesday, making it the largest swarm of Chinese ships ever observed in the area.
Powell, who closely monitors the presence of Chinese ships in the WPS, confirmed the presence of the vessels via his X (formerly Twitter) account, stating, “Marine Traffic confirms at least 83 China militia & fishing ships within Philippines Thitu (Pag-Asa) Island’s territorial sea right now.”
The Philippine Navy spokesperson for the WPS, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, corroborated Powell’s initial report of 75 vessels, stating that the number was “fairly accurate” considering the proximity of Pag-asa Island to Subi Reef, which is heavily militarized by China.
“Subi Reef is within the territorial sea of Pag-asa, so those numbers would be fairly accurate,” Trinidad said in an interview with Dobol B TV. “It’s close to Pag-asa when you exit Subi.”
While Trinidad has yet to respond to requests for confirmation on the increased number of vessels, the presence of such a large contingent of Chinese ships in the area raises serious concerns about escalating tensions in the WPS.
Pag-asa Island, located approximately 285 nautical miles from Palawan, is a strategically important feature in the WPS, claimed by both the Philippines and China. The recent surge in Chinese vessels near the island further underscores the ongoing territorial dispute and China’s assertive actions in the region.
The Philippines has consistently protested China’s presence in the WPS, claiming that it violates its sovereign rights and territorial integrity. The recent developments are likely to further strain relations between the two countries and raise concerns about the potential for conflict in the region.
