The Philippine Coast Guard on Sunday said it is monitoring several alleged Chinese militia vessels anchored in maritime areas claimed by the Philippines.
In a radio interview, PCG Vice Admiral Joseph Coyme maintained the Chinese vessels do not affect their operations that much.
“The good thing now is that we are not escalating the tension with the presence of the Philippine Coast Guard and law enforcement agencies,” Coyme said.
“Our approach is diplomatic. We are not yet in a situation where tensions over the area are really heightened. With our ships there, we are normally conducting our law enforcement functions pertaining to maritime safety that is not provocative in nature,” he added.
Asked about China’s radio challenge to a PCG aircraft that was on its way to Pagasa Island near Subi Reef, which China occupies, Coyme said that such challenges are normal amid conflicting territorial claims.
“We also informed them that this is part of our maritime domain awareness flight and we’re conducting normal law enforcement patrols along the area,” Coyme said.
The PCG recently shared online footage showing their personnel using radio communication to challenge Chinese militia vessels in Sabina Shoal, an area located in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
According to National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, the Chinese vessels dispersed after the radio challenge.