THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has intensified patrols in Batanes after three China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels were sighted operating near the islands on Friday, August 8. The CCG ships appeared to be approaching from the direction of Taiwan.
A PCG light utility aircraft departed Manila at 6:00 a.m. and flew over the first CCG vessel, bow number 4304, approximately 75 nautical miles west of Sabtang Island’s coastline. The PCG aircraft issued a radio challenge to the Chinese vessel, emphasizing that it lacked legal authority to operate within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Due to inclement weather, the PCG aircraft was unable to reach the two other Chinese vessels, bow numbers 3301 and 3304, which were located several miles from the first ship.
Maritime security analyst Ray Powell described the presence of three Chinese vessels as a new level of aggression on the part of the CCG. The PCG’s heightened patrols reflect a response to this increased activity near Batanes.
