MANILA (Reuters) – The Philippine military is sending light fighter jets to fly over hundreds of Chinese ships in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, the defense minister said, while reiterating his call to withdraw the flotilla immediately.
International concern is growing over what the Philippines has described as a “swarming and threatening presence” of more than 200 Chinese ships that Manila believes were being led by the maritime militia.
The boats were anchored at Whitsun Reef in the exclusive 200-mile economic zone of Manila.
The Philippine military plane was sent daily to monitor the situation, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a statement late Saturday.
Lorenzana said the army would strengthen its naval presence in the South China Sea to conduct “sovereignty patrols” and protect Filipino fishermen.
“Our air and sea assets are ready to protect our sovereignty and sovereign rights,” Lorenzana said.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment. He said the Whitsun Reef vessels were fishing boats taking refuge in rough seas and that there were no militias on board.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has reaffirmed China’s ambassador Huang Xilian, the Philippines won a major arbitration case in 2016 that clarified his sovereign rights amid China’s rival claims, his spokesman said last week.
Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, China and Vietnam have competing territorial claims in the South China Sea, through which at least $ 3.4 trillion in annual trade passes.
Reporting by Karen Lema; Montage by Stephen Coates