Chinese militia vessels coming closer to Palawan

Several ships believed to be Chinese maritime militia were spotted by fishermen in Iroquois Reef in the West Philippine Sea in this photo taken in September. - PDI/CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA (Philippine Daily Inquirer/Asia News Network): Dozens of Chinese vessels believed to be manned by their maritime militias in the West Philippine Sea have been moving much closer to Palawan in recent months, including waters near the sites of an aborted Philippines-China joint energy exploration plan, a top military official said on Tuesday (Dec 6).

“I confirm the swarming presence of Chinese fishing vessels in Iroquois Reef and Sabina Shoal since early this year,” Western Command chief Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos, the most senior military officer who watches over the Kalayaan Island Group in the West Philippine Sea, told the Inquirer.