The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Chinese vessels targeted with three flares a government plane during a reconnaissance flight over Zamora reef which spotted several Chinese and other foreign vessels operating in waters near the Kalayaan Island Group.
As this developed, China’s new envoy, Jing Quan, vowed to push his country’s interest even as he works toward improving diplomatic relations with the Philippines, the Chinese-run newspaper Global Times reported.
The PCG said it sighted a Chinese hospital ship (862), two China Coast Guard vessels with unidentified bow numbers, and 29 Chinese maritime militia vessels in the reef on Saturday.
The surveillance mission, which took off from Puerto Princesa International Airport, documented a heavy concentration of Chinese ships across several reefs within the Philippine exclusive economic zone.
At Julian Felipe Reef, 38 more Chinese militia vessels were reportedly spotted, while another 34 were spread out within the Pagkakaisa Banks.
Unidentified ships were also seen near Panganiban Reef, while a People’s Liberation Army Navy vessel at Escoda Shoal issued radio challenges to the Philippine aircraft.
Other foreign vessels were likewise sighted in the area, including a Vietnamese research and fishing survey ship operating near Pagasa Cay, and two Vietnamese fishing vessels with a Vietnam Coast Guard ship docked at Rurok Island.
The PCG’s joint routine patrol with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources aligns with the mandate to protect the country’s maritime domain and secure the livelihood of Filipino fisherfolk.
“These routine transparency flights are conducted in accordance with domestic laws and international regulations, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the final and binding 2016 Arbitral Award,” the PCG said.
Jing arrived in Manila on Saturday, Dec. 6, and was greeted by officials from the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and diplomats, according to the media outlet.
“As ambassador, I will firmly safeguard national interests and dignity while serving as a bridge to ensure that China-Philippines relations move toward stability rather than deterioration, and that the two peoples grow closer rather than further apart,” Jing was quoted as saying.
Global Times also reported that the new Chinese envoy acknowledged the challenging nature of his task ahead, but expressed confidence and optimism about receiving strong support from all sectors.
According to reports, Jing previously served as Deputy Chief of Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the United States.
He succeeded Huang Xilian, who served China’s ambassador to Manila for nearly six years, having presented his credentials to then President Rodrigo Duterte on Dec. 4, 2019.
Late last September, Huang paid a farewell call on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. after finishing his tour of duty in Manila.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Coast Guard detects multiple Chinese, foreign vessels near KIG”
