‘We have the right to defend ourselves’: Philippines, China tensions rise
The Chinese coast guard said Filipino marines pointed guns at them. However, the Philippines Armed Forces said its marines were taking a defensive stance because the Chinese tried to steal supplies meant for the marines aboard a ship used as an outpost in the disputed Second Thomas Shoal.
Newly released video appears to show two small Chinese vessels making aggressive and evasive maneuvers in the open ocean while trying to retrieve some air-dropped supplies last month. According to a Philippine navy spokesman, the Chinese personnel on board the boats later dumped the items in the water.
Chinese boats reportedly approached within five to 10 meters of the Sierra Madre — the vessel Manila intentionally grounded at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in 1999.
Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner Jr. clarified that the marines drew their weapons as a “precautionary measure” in self-defense. Brawner said this action aligns with the rules of engagement.
“It was just in preparation for self-defense in case something happens because they were very close,” Brawner said. “We have the right to defend ourselves.”
Getty Images
Brawner emphasized that the marines maintained “professionalism, restraint, and discipline under provocation.”
China claims historic rights over nearly all of the South China Sea, including areas like the Second Thomas Shoal, despite the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea that defines economic zones and a 2016 ruling in The Hague.
The resource-rich South China Sea is also contested by Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam. Beijing’s claims, however, overlap with the exclusive economic zones of all these countries.
“The Philippines sending vessels to Ren’ai is in itself illegal, the Philippines is escalating the situation and we cannot accept it,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said.
Beijing also accused Manila of jeopardizing regional security and stability through its close ties with the U.S., including placing mid-range missiles in the Philippines during a joint military exercise in April.
Cohen testifies Trump said ‘just do it’ about payment to Daniels
Michael Cohen, the one-time lawyer for former President Donald Trump, took the stand in the former president’s criminal trial. And a giant billboard collapses in India, killing more than a dozen people and leaving dozens injured. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Tuesday, May 14, 2024.
Cohen testifies Trump said ‘Just do it’ about payment to Daniels
Michael Cohen, Donald Trump’s former attorney, took the stand in New York on Monday, May 13, alleging that the former president not only knew about the $130,000 payment Cohen made to adult film star Stormy Daniels but also authorized it and approved the plan for repayment.
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Cohen alleged that during the final days of the 2016 election, Trump told him, “Just do it,” regarding the payment to Daniels. Cohen said that the payment aimed to prevent Daniels from sharing her alleged affair with Trump in 2006 — a situation Cohen deemed “catastrophic” for Trump’s presidential bid.
According to Cohen, Trump expressed concern about Daniels’ story being published, stating, “Women are going to hate me; guys may think it’s cool. But this is going to be a disaster for the campaign.”
While Cohen maintains that the payment was “all about the campaign,” Trump’s defense suggests it aimed to protect his family from embarrassment. Cohen testified that Trump instructed him to delay paying Daniels until after the election, allegedly saying, “Push it out past the election because if I win, it has no relevance, and if I lose, I don’t really care.”
Trump denies any relationship with Daniels and has pleaded not guilty to charges related to payments made to Cohen. Cohen’s testimony continues today with questioning from the prosecution, followed by cross-examination from Trump’s legal team.
Blinken arrives in Kyiv, meets with Zelenskyy
In an unannounced visit Tuesday, May 14, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Kyiv, reassuring Ukraine of America’s continued support as the war with Russia persists.
Blinken emphasized that this aid would “make a real difference” in Ukraine’s fight on the battlefield, with much of it directed toward replenishing the country’s artillery and air defense systems.
I returned to Kyiv today to demonstrate our unwavering support for Ukraine as they defend their freedom against Russian aggression. pic.twitter.com/7ruIw6GgVd
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) May 14, 2024
This marks Blinken’s fourth trip to the Ukrainian capital since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
Biden administration unveils new tariffs on Chinese imports, including electric vehicles
The release also highlighted China’s flooding of global markets with artificially low-priced exports.
The new tariffs will take effect over the next three years. Tariffs increasing this year cover goods such as EVs, batteries, solar cells, medical products — including syringes and needles — as well as steel and aluminum. Notably, the tariff rate on EVs will increase from 25% to 100%.
Large billboard collapses, killing at least 14 people in Mumbai
The rain, accompanied by high winds, caused the 100-foot-tall billboard to fall over a gas station in the suburb of Ghatkopar. At least 47 people were rescued late into the night.
Heartfelt condolences to families who lost their loved ones in the unfortunate mishap at Ghatkopar today. @MumbaiPolice team is on the spot in the rescue operation. We assure citizens that stringent legal action will be taken against those responsible for this mishap.
India experiences severe floods during the monsoon season, typically from June to September, which is crucial for agriculture but often causes extensive damage.
Largest remaining collapsed Baltimore bridge span demolished
Crews demolished the largest remaining span of a collapsed bridge in Baltimore, clearing the way for the eventual full return of shipping through one of the busiest sea routes in the U.S.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after being struck by a cargo ship named the Dali in March, which lost power and veered off course. As a result, a section of the bridge landed on the grounded container ship. Six people were killed in the collision.
The operation was delayed due to bad weather, but the demolition went according to plan Monday, May 13.
China’s plans to deploy floating nuclear power plants has US officials concerned
China’s plans to deploy floating nuclear reactors capable of powering military facilities in contested areas of the South Pacific has raised concerns about regional stability. The State Department believes the move could also be a potential threat to U.S. national security.
American military officials have echoed these warnings, saying China may eventually use floating nuclear facilities to further exert its “unlawful territorial claims” in the region. Adm. John Aquilino, the former leader of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, told The Washington Post that this could be “destabilizing” to the surrounding nations in the South China Sea.
China first began developing its floating nuclear power plants over a decade ago, with initial designs dating to 2010. By 2016, Chinese state media outlets reported that 20 such plants had been deployed in the South China Sea to support economic activities, but the recent focus has shifted to their potential military capabilities.
With tensions escalating in the South China Sea, Chinese researchers have pointed to the possible ability of these reactors to “ensure the smooth conduct of military exercises.” However, doubts persist both domestically and internationally regarding when this will actually come to fruition.
Even as China asserts its capabilities, some experts on the region remain skeptical of an imminent threat. They argue that China still faces hurdles in deploying technology capable of providing continuous power for military purposes. China’s own state regulators have warned concerns still remain about the tech’s “safety and feasibility.”
However, should China’s floating nuclear plans eventually come to fruition, some scientists have warned the plant’s vulnerabilities could lead to possible disaster. They caution of the potential for an incident akin to the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan.
Water cannons, the Philippines, and the South China Sea
Video captured on April 30 by the Philippines Coast Guard shows a pair of Chinese Coast Guard ships using water cannons to douse Filipino vessels, which were reportedly sailing to the Scarborough Shoal to help some fishermen. At least that’s how the Philippines government described the incident in its official protest of what is now the 20th such encounter just this year.
The Chinese government also released footage of the encounter but said the water cannons were used lawfully to protect Chinese interests in the area.
𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊: @coastguardph Commandant, CG Admiral Ronnie Gil L Gavan, has directed the immediate conduct of a damage assessment after the 44-meter multi-role response vessel, BRP Bagacay (MRRV-4410), was involved in a water canon incident while enroute to Bajo de Masinloc. pic.twitter.com/NDJFycJbcU
— Philippine Coast Guard (@coastguardph) May 2, 2024
Both the Philippines and China accuse the other of escalating tensions in the region, and the April 30 incident also happened while the Philippines and the United States were taking part in the annual Balikatan military drills.
Balikatan means “shoulder-to-shoulder,” and this year’s event marks the largest ever, with more than 17,000 soldiers taking part.
So why is there so much attention on the South China Sea? And why do some military and geopolitical analysts think the tensions there are more likely to spark a conflict between the U.S. and China than a possible Chinese takeover of Taiwan? Well, it’s a multifaceted issue.
First, the Scarborough Shoal is in the South China Sea, where the most recent run-in between China and the Philippines happened. The Spratly Islands, a grouping of very small islands, coral outcroppings, and sandbars are also in the area.
Now, all of these locations are within the fishing grounds that have historically been accessed by most of the countries in this region of the Pacific. Vietnam, Indonesia, Brunei and others have all fished those waters. The waters are very fertile and supply a lot of the food for people living there.
However, the waters are also within the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) for each country. The U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea defines an EEZ as “an area of the sea in which a sovereign state has exclusive rights regarding the exploration and use of marine resources.”
Typically, an EEZ extends out from a country’s coastal territory by no more than 200 nautical miles.
There’s been no official ruling on whose sovereign territory any of disputed areas belong to, but the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in 2016 that China definitely doesn’t own it. Still, Chinese vessels implement blockades from time to time and essentially have controlled access to the Scarborough Shoal since 2012.
The Chinese Communist Party, under the rule of Xi Jinping, maintains it’s just looking out for its own best interests and protecting its territory from what it views as a hostile expansion of U.S. interests.
On the other side of the pendulum swing are the China hawks who say the real aim of Xi’s regime is to establish military footholds in the region and potentially control trade routes. These routes are some of the most lucrative in the world. More than $3 trillion worth of goods sail on these seas every year.
Remember the Spratlys? Over the course of the last few years, the Chinese government invested billions to build up what were essentially exposed outcroppings of coral reef into full-fledged military facilities with runways and barracks.
China isn’t alone in adding more military resources to the region. In addition to upping its naval patrols, the Philippines also sought to further its claims to this area of the South China Sea by purposely running a ship aground in the Second Thomas Shoal.
The ship is now used as a permanent military installation by the Philippines. That means regular resupply missions, and those are another point of contention for the Chinese and often another source of conflict.
While all of this is going on, the Philippines continues to strengthen its military ties to the United States, which is a familiar pattern in the Pacific. Japan and Australia also entered into historical military partnerships with the U.S. recently over fears the Chinese may try to take control of territory that isn’t theirs.
Even India is focused on what is happening in the region. India doesn’t want China to take over the trade routes any more than anyone else does, which is why it recently sold the Philippines some BrahMos missile batteries. Because again, when $3 trillion worth of trade could be on the line, that demands international attention.
House’s $95 billion foreign aid package, including TikTok bill, heads to Senate
The House passed a foreign aid package on Saturday, April 20, a victory for Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., as he managed dissent within his own party and turned to Democratic colleagues for support. The $95 billion package, divided across four bills, supports Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, replenishes U.S. arms, and includes measures to seize Russian assets and regulate TikTok.
The legislation directs $60 billion to aid Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, including military support efforts against Russian aggression.
“I think this support will really strengthen the armed forces, I pray, and we will have a chance at victory if Ukraine really gets the weapons system, which we need so much, which thousands of soldiers need so much,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, told NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
Zelenskyy has been urgently requesting weapons and supplies for weeks to continue defending Ukraine against Russian attacks.
“We really need to get this to the final point. We need to get approved by the Senate,” Zelenskyy said. “Then we want to help get things as fast as possible so that we get some tangible assistance for the soldiers on the front line as soon as possible — not in another six months — so that they would be able to move ahead.”
The package includes $26 billion for Israel, with significant funding for missile defense systems and other military operations to counter threats from Iran.
In the Indo-Pacific, the proposal dedicates about $8 billion to strengthen U.S. and allied military capabilities, highlighting concerns over potential Chinese actions against Taiwan.
The fourth bill includes policies for Chinese company ByteDance to sell TikTok, stretching the deadline from six months to a year from a previous bill, busing Russian assets to fund Ukraine aid and increasing sanctions against international drug trafficking. The package, combined into one bill, now heads to the Senate.
Johnson faces criticism for not adding border-security measures sought by some GOP members to curb migrant influxes from Mexico. Other Republicans oppose the freeze on new U.S. liquefied natural gas export plants under the Biden administration.
As US and China work to ease tensions, US Navy flies through Taiwan Strait
The U.S. Navy flew a patrol aircraft through the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday, April 17. The flyover happened just one day after discussions were held between the U.S. and China aimed at easing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.
While the Taiwan Strait is considered international waters, China views it as part of its sovereign territory. Any passage by foreign aircraft or ships is seen as a challenge to its territorial claims. In response to the flight, China dispatched fighters to monitor and warn the P-8A Poseiden, a maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft. It later dismissed the flight as “public hype.”
The Eastern Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army issued a statement proclaiming China’s readiness to defend its regional claims.
“Troops in theater are always on high alert and will resolutely defend national sovereignty and security as well,” the command said.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said China often engages in a show of force by sending fighter jets and warships to the region.
The U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet released a statement maintaining it followed international law.
“By operating within the Taiwan Strait in accordance with international law, the United States upholds the navigational rights and freedoms of all nations,” the statement said.
Freedom of navigation was a key topic of discussion between Austin and the Chinese minister, according to Pentagon press secretary Maj. Pat Ryder.
China froze talks with the United States in November 2022 in protest of Rep. Nancy Pelosi’s, D-Calif., visit to Taiwan. Then, China responded with military exercises including missile launches.
US sends top commander to Israel ahead of expected attack from Iran
With Israel on alert for an attack from Iran, the U.S. sents over a top military commander in a show of support. O.J. Simpson passed away at age 76, sparking mixed reactions. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Friday, April 12, 2024.
US sends top commander to Israel ahead of expected attack from Iran
Amid heightened tensions after Iran vowed retaliation for an attack on its embassy in Syria, which resulted in the deaths of several commanders, the U.S. has dispatched its top military commander for the Middle East to Israel as a gesture of solidarity.
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General Michael Erik Kurilla, the U.S. Central Command’s leader in the Middle East, arrived in Israel on Thursday, April 11. According to officials cited by The New York Times, General Kurilla will work closely with the Israeli military to prepare for Iran’s expected retaliation, discuss the ongoing conflict with Hamas and coordinate aid efforts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvD4ZfMGIQw
The Wall Street Journal reported that Israel is bracing for a potential direct assault from Iran possibly as early as the weekend of April 13. However, sources close to the Iranian leadership have indicated that no definitive decision has been reached.
While Israel has not officially admitted to the airstrike in Syria, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking at a military base on April 11, promised a forceful response to any aggression, stating, “Whoever harms us, we will harm them.”
Relations between the U.S. and Israel have been strained over Netanyahu’s tactics in the Gaza conflict, with President Joe Biden suggesting a shift in America’s stance unless Israel takes further steps to protect civilians and humanitarian workers. Nonetheless, Biden has reaffirmed the U.S.’ unwavering support for Israel’s security against threats from Iran and its allies, describing it as “ironclad.”
Following these developments, the American Embassy in Israel issued a security advisory for U.S. government personnel and their families, imposing travel restrictions within Israel due to the threats from Iran.
Speaker Johnson in talks with White House to push Ukraine aid forward
In Washington, House Speaker Mike Johnson is actively negotiating with the White House to push forward funding for Ukraine and Israel. Johnson, aiming to modify the Senate’s proposed $95 billion security package, is balancing Republican demands with the urgent need for military aid for Kyiv.
The effort has faced delays as Johnson seeks a consensus that satisfies both the White House and divided Republican ranks. Biden has criticized some Republicans for not helping Ukraine, suggesting it benefits Russia and compromises U.S. security.
US, Japan, Philippines convene for trilateral leaders summit
Leaders from Japan, the Philippines and the United States convened at the White House for their inaugural trilateral summit. The agreements aim to update military alliances, enhance defense cooperation, and boost technological collaboration, including AI and space exploration.
Efforts to counter China’s influence in the South China Sea and support a peaceful approach to Taiwan were highlighted. The U.S. and Japan are bolstering the Philippine Coast Guard by providing additional ships, with Japan recently delivering 12 and planning to send five more.
The partnerships also include investments in infrastructure and cutting-edge technologies such as the Artemis moon landing project and nuclear fusion initiatives.
Former interpreter for Shohei Ohtani charged with stealing more than $16 million
Reportedly, the interpreter manipulated Ohtani’s bank account, turning off transaction alerts to secretly fund his gambling. Despite initially claiming Ohtani had given him the money, he has since confessed.
Ohtani, who has denied any involvement in sports betting, is not implicated in the charges. Our Lauren Taylor has a full report here.
Reaction following the death of O.J. Simpson
The family of O.J. Simpson, the former football star acquitted in the 1994 killings of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman, announced he died at 76 on Wednesday, April 10, after battling cancer. Simpson’s death drew reactions from significant figures in the trial that captivated the nation.
Fred Goldman, Ron Goldman’s father, told NBC News, “It’s no great loss to the world. It’s a further reminder of Ron’s being gone.”
Gloria Allred, who represented Nicole’s family, said to ABC News, “I don’t mourn for O.J. Simpson. I do mourn for Nicole Brown Simpson and her family, and they should be remembered.”
“O.J. Simpson played an important role in exposing the racial divisions in America,” Alan Dershowitz, an adviser to Simpson’s legal team, told The Associated Press. “His trial also exposed police corruption among some officials in the Los Angeles Police Department. He will leave a mixed legacy. Great athlete. Many people think he was guilty. Some think he was innocent.”
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, responding to a question about Simpson’s passing during a press briefing, said, “Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time, obviously with his family and loved ones, and I know that they have asked for some privacy and so we’re going to respect that. I’ll just leave it there.”
Sailors spell out ‘help’ after being stranded on remote island
In a fortunate turn of events, the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Navy collaborated to rescue sailors stranded for over a week on a remote Pacific island, using only island resources to signal for help.
The sailors, all men in their 40s and believed to be related, crafted a “HELP” sign with palm leaves on the beach — a key factor in their rescue.
The group was on a fishing expedition on Easter Sunday when their sailboat suffered damage, leaving them stranded on a small island within the Federal States of Micronesia.
Following a distress call from a relative on April 6, a Coast Guard aircraft located the “HELP” sign the next day. The Coast Guard then dropped a radio to the sailors, who reported they were healthy and had been surviving on coconuts.
The sailors were successfully rescued on April 9, and have safely returned home.
7.4 magnitude earthquake rocks Taiwan, several dead
Several people are dead in the strongest earthquake to hit Taiwan in 25 years, and the future of Disney will be decided today in a boardroom vote. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Wednesday, April 3, 2024.
Several dead after major earthquake rocks Taiwan
At least nine people have died and more than 800 are injured following the largest earthquake to strike Taiwan in 25 years, occurring Wednesday, April 3. The aftermath saw buildings tilting precariously, with rescuers employing ladders to reach those trapped inside. The event brought traffic to a halt and led to the suspension of train services throughout the island.
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Taiwan’s authorities recorded the earthquake at a magnitude of 7.2, whereas the U.S. Geological Survey reported it as 7.4. The earthquake hit around 8 a.m. local time, prompting tsunami warnings for southern Japan and the Philippines, which were later lifted.
Biden ‘outraged’ over Israeli airstrike that killed aid workers in Gaza
President Joe Biden said he was “outraged and heartbroken” by the deaths of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers in Gaza, caused by Israeli airstrikes on Monday, April 1. This marks his most forceful condemnation of Israel amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas.
Biden criticized Israel for not doing enough to safeguard humanitarian workers in the region. Following the incident, World Central Kitchen has temporarily halted its operations in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged that the strikes inadvertently harmed civilians and committed to a prompt investigation into the airstrikes targeting the vehicles of aid workers.
Trump, Biden win primaries but voters express concern
In the latest round of primaries, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, who have secured their party’s nominations, continued to gather delegates. Despite the expected victories in Connecticut, New York, Rhode Island and Wisconsin, both encountered considerable dissent within their ranks.
Among Democrats, a significant segment of voters opted for “Uncommitted,” with protest votes hitting as high as 15 percent in Rhode Island.
On the Republican front, Nikki Haley, who withdrew from the race last month, still received support, securing at least 10 percent of the vote in all four states.
Results of Disney boardroom vote to be announced
The outcome of a prolonged and intense boardroom dispute concerning Disney’s future direction will be disclosed today during its annual shareholder meeting, marking the culmination of months of internal conflict.
In a significant moment of contention within the boardroom, stakeholders have been divided over maintaining the company’s current strategic path. Nelson Peltz has been vocal in his criticism, asserting that Disney has diverged from its core values, leading to a significant depreciation in its market value.
Peltz’s primary complaints center around what he perceives as mismanagement and strategic errors by the current leadership, as he seeks to convince shareholders of the need for a new direction.
According to Reuters’ latest report this morning, Disney is anticipated to have garnered sufficient support from its shareholders to maintain its course, with official confirmation expected later today.
Estate of George Carlin settles with podcast over AI-generated special
The estate of the late comedian George Carlin has settled a lawsuit with the “Dudesy” podcast, which had allegedly used an AI-generated version of Carlin to comment on current events in an audio special earlier this year.
Filed in January, the lawsuit accused the podcast of infringing on the copyrights and publicity rights associated with Carlin’s name, image, and likeness. Carlin, who passed away in 2008, remains a significant figure in comedy.
Following the lawsuit, the podcast’s creators removed the special from their YouTube channel and, as part of the settlement, agreed not to re-upload the video or use Carlin’s image on any platform.
Carlin’s daughter expressed her satisfaction with the swift resolution of the case and emphasized its importance as a cautionary tale regarding the use of AI and the necessity for proper safeguards.
Tropicana Las Vegas closes its doors after 67 years
Throughout its history, the Tropicana has played host to numerous legendary figures, including the Rat Pack, and was the backdrop for the debuts of magicians Siegfried and Roy. It was also featured in the 1971 James Bond film “Diamonds Are Forever,” starring Sean Connery.
The Tropicana expressed its gratitude to its employees, guests, and the city of Las Vegas for “67 years of unforgettable memories and unwavering support” in a farewell post on its official Instagram account.
Chinese fleet surrounds Philippine vessels in South China Sea
In the South China Sea, a fleet of Chinese vessels surrounded a Philippine Coast Guard ship Tuesday morning, March 5. CNN and The Wall Street Journal reporters were aboard a Philippine ship, marking the first instance of foreign journalists joining the mission. The reporters observed a Chinese boat firing a water cannon at the Philippine vessel, shattering one of its windows.
Four Filipino coast guardsmen sustained injuries in the attack.
The Philippine vessel was on a resupply mission and en route to troops in Second Thomas Shoal. The vessel was accompanied by three others. The Chinese effectively isolated the ships, permitting only one Philippine boat to complete its cargo delivery.
The Philippines also accused a Chinese Coast Guard ship of brushing against two of its vessels.
Second Thomas Shoal bears strategic significance for the Philippines in asserting its claims in the South China Sea amid struggles in the region.
The U.S. condemned China’s actions and supported the Philippines, while China claimed self-defense and accused the Philippines of intruding into its waters.
A spokesperson for the Philippines Coast Guard informed The Wall Street Journal that the mere passage of a single boat beyond the Chinese fleet rendered it a “very successful mission.”
New photos show dozens of Chinese vessels occupying Philippines’ territory
As tensions continue to rise in the South China Sea between China and the Philippines, a look at newly-released satellite images allegedly shows Chinese militia ships massing around a contested reef. Beijing claims it has rights over the Whitsun Reef, which is about 750 nautical miles from China’s nearest province.
The reef is considered to be within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, which gives the nation full rights to the reef. But that hasn’t stopped the People’s Republic of China from asserting its presence over the years, and now Beijing seems to be ramping that presence up.
The new satellite photos by SkyFi were taken on Monday, Dec. 10, and they appear to show Chinese maritime militia ships rafted together to create something similar to a maritime outpost.
“The PCG maintains its unwavering commitment to safeguarding maritime security, safety and the marine environment in the course of protecting the territorial integrity, sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction of the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea,” the Philippine Coast Guard said.
According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the Chinese maritime militia is a network of fishing vessels that works alongside the People’s Liberation Army Navy to “achieve political objectives in disputed waters.” However, Beijing does not officially recognize its existence.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said recently that these ships were just fishing vessels seeking calm seas and shelter from weather in Chinese waters.
“It is reasonable and lawful for Chinese fishing boats to operate and take shelter in the waters,” Wenbin said. “The Philippine side should not make irresponsible remarks on that.”
The director of SeaLight, Ray Powell, which tracks maritime gray-zone activities in the South China Sea, said the placing of these vessels around the Whitsun Reef is Beijing’s attempt to normalize its presence and expand its reach, encroaching on the coastlines of neighboring nations.
“Mostly what China is trying to do is, over the years, get everyone accustomed to the idea that China is here and you can’t get rid of them,” Powell told SkyFi. “The idea being they will slowly expand their scope and reach to the edges of their nine-line claim and almost up to the coastline of their neighbors.”
The Philippine Coast Guard said the fishing vessels ignored radio calls from its patrols, which were sent to document their “illegal presence.”
