Beijing’s disputed retreat

Chinese paramilitary boats are maintaining a permanent presence in disputed waters of the South China Sea despite protests, in what many observers believe is preparation for a new territorial grab.

Satellite photographs of the Spratly Islands show that after diplomatic pressure from the Philippines more than 200 Chinese boats dispersed in April from Whitsun Reef in the rich fishing grounds known as the Union Banks. Many of them, however, sailed 200km east to Iroquois Reef, an area believed to be rich in energy deposits.

Now, after fresh protests from Manila, they are moving back. “When international outcry or patrols by other claimants convince them to leave a disputed feature, they disperse to nearby reefs for a time,” says a report by the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, a Washington think tank. “But their overall numbers in the Spratlys remain consistent.”

Beijing insists that the vessels are fishing boats, lawfully working in Chinese maritime territory. The Philippines government and independent analysts say that they are vessels of the Chinese armed forces. Satellite imagery has shown the ships anchored in bunched-up lines. They do not appear to be fishing and they switch on powerful lights at night.