A West Philippine Sea monitor on Monday reported China Coast Guard (CCG) ships conducting a “resupply cruise” to its outposts in the Spratly Islands also passed near five features of the West Philippine Sea.
According to Maritime Security expert Ray Powell, the 8,000-ton Sansha 2 Hao first passed off Pag-asa (Thitu) Island on Sunday morning, accompanied by the San Sha Zhi Fa 301.
Powell added that the two ships also traversed the waters near Patag (Flat) Island, Lawak (Nanshan) Island, Escoda (Sabina) Shoal, and Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal.
Powell also explained that as of Monday, the two ships were within 60 nautical miles of Malaysia’s coastline “to assert the southern extent of Beijing’s maritime claims.”
“This mission has two purposes — to deliver supplies to Beijing’s Spratly Island bases, and to mark the extent of its maritime claims.=,” Powell explained.
Last week, the CCG’s “monster ship,” also conducted what Powell called an “intrusive patrol” in similar features.
The 13,000-ton Chinese ship was even spotted only 34 nautical miles away off El Nido, Palawan.
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Spokesperson on West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela on Thursday reported that the monster ship made a possible resupply while entering Kagitingan Reef.
Maritime features in Spratly Islands occupied by the Philippines are collectively known as the Kalayaan Island Group.