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Persistent Chinese Maritime Militia Presence off Philippines Raises Concerns in Manila
April 12, 2021 1:37 PM
Overview of Whitsun Reef in the South China Sea and Chinese vessels moored in the waters surrounding the boomerang-shaped coral reef on March 23. MAXAR Photo
MANILA – Chinese maritime militia vessels remained berthed at the Whitsun Reef, which is located within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, lending credence to what Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana described as China’s plot to permanently occupy the feature.
Lorenzana disclosed on Saturday that at least 32 militia ships are still moored around the reef, which measures 30 kilometers in length and 50 kilometers in diameter, and situated 175 nautical miles from the island of Palawan.
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By ERWIN COLCOL, GMA News
Published April 11, 2021 9:37am
Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez expects more US vessels to arrive in South China Sea. In a Dobol B TV interview, Romualdez said US vessels are being deployed in the disputed waters to uphold freedom of navigation. US freedom of navigation operations ay tuluy-tuloy yan (will continue). They ve been increasing it in the past several months . precisely to protect the seaway there, he said. Freedom of navigation [means], any vessel can pass through there without any harassment or any stop from any country, he added.
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Jose Manuel Romualdez said the U.S. would increase the number of ships in the South China Sea "to protect the seaway" from Chinese threats to other nations sovereignty.