Phl repairs isle; China sends forces

MANILA — While the Philippines is repairing its facilities on Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea, China has deployed ships near the island, according to a report from an independent think tank.

Washington-based Asia Subi Reef, which is 12 nautical Maritime Transparency miles from Pag-asa Island. Initiative (AMTI) observed As early as July 2018, People's Liberation Army Chinese ships have been Navy, Chinese Coast Guard operating in the area around ships and fishing vessels near the same time the Philippine government started the repairs on Pag-asa Island's dilapidated runway.

The numbers of Chinese vessels in the region have increased recently, according to the AMTI.

"In five subsequent satellite images captured from mid-December to late January, their numbers fluctuate, reaching a high of 95 on December 20 before dropping to 42 by January 26," the report read.

The think tank noted that most of the fishing boats have been anchored between 2 and 5.5 nautical miles from Pag-asa Island while Chinese naval and coast guard vessels are farther away to the south and west.

The fishing vessels appear to be part of the Chinese maritime militia, having no gear that indicate fishing activity. The ships have also disabled their automatic identification system transceivers, allowing them to hide their activities.

Satellite imagery dated Dec. 20, 2018 show that two Chinese government vessels are in the area — a PLAN Type 053H1G frigate and a CCG Type 818 cutter. On the same day, the Philippine Navy's BRP Ramon Alcaraz was also stationed southeast of Pag-asa Island, over 7 nautical miles from the Chinese navy frigate.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana earlier admitted that Beijing attempted to halt the government's plan to upgrade its facilities on Pag-asa, one of the largest features in the Spratly Islands.