Philippines flags 'incursions' by nearly 300 Chinese militia boats
Philippines-China sea dispute
The Philippines on Wednesday reported what it said were incursions into its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) by 287 maritime militia vessels fromChina, in a further sign of cracks reappearing in a relationship after a period of rapprochement.
"This incident along with continued illegal incursions of foreign vessels sighted near Philippine-held islands have been submitted to relevant agencies for the possible diplomatic actions," the task force on the SouthChinaSea said in a statement.
The Philippine foreign ministry has repeatedly complained toChinain recent weeks about a "swarming and threatening presence" of Chinese vessels in its EEZ and has demanded they be withdrawn.
The Philippines has recently boosted its presence in the SouthChinaSea through "sovereignty patrols", in a show of defiance that critics say has been lacking under its pro-Chinapresident, Rodrigo Duterte, who has drawn domestic flak for his refusal to stand up to Beijing.
There was no immediate response to a request for comment from the Chinese embassy in Manila.
Experts sayChina's fleet fishing boats and coastguard are central to its strategic ambitions in the SouthChinaSea, maintaining a constant presence that complicates fishing and offshore energy activities by other coastal states.
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Chinese officials have previously denied there are militia aboard its fishing boats.
Duterte caused a stir last week when he said a landmark 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration that went in the Philippines' favour in a dispute withChinawas just a "piece of paper" that he could throw in the trash.
The tribunal also ruled thatChina's claims to almost the entire SouthChinaSea where about $3 trillion worth of ship-borne trade passes each year, had no legal basis.
Defence and security analyst Jose Antonio Custodio said Duterte's comments "cancels-out" the tougher tone being taken withChinaby his top diplomats and defence chiefs.
"We don't have unity in messaging," Custodio said. "That is encouragingChina's actions."