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China sends ‘militia’ amid PHL construction on Pag-asa Island


China has deployed as many as 95 ships near the Spratly Islands after the Philippine government ordered construction projects on Pagasa Island, according to a report by the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI).

The fleet contains a mixture of fishing, law enforcement, and naval vessels in what has been called the "cabbage strategy." AMTI used photo capture from satellite images to confirm the presence of the vessels.

The AMTI is a source of information, analysis, and policy exchange on maritime security issues designed and conceptualized by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

According to its profile, it aims to "dissuade assertive behavior and conflict and generate opportunities for cooperation and confidence building" in the Indo-Pacific region. 

A beaching ramp is now being constructed on Pag-asa island in order to facilitate the delivery of materials and equipment for further upgrades, particularly in the runway.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Monday announced that the construction will be completed early this year.

Lorenzana previously said a fish port, desalination plant, solar power array, improved housing, and marine research facilities have been planned for Pag-asa Island.

The Chinese Ambassador has asked Lorenzana to cancel the construction plans in November, according to the report.

The AMTI said the Chinese ships around Spratlys increased around December when the construction of the beaching ramp started, but their number went down to 42 vessels as of January 26.

"The fishing vessels display all the hallmarks of belonging to China’s maritime militia, including having no gear in the water that would indicate fishing activity and disabling their Automatic Identification System (AIS) transceivers to hide their activities," said AMTI in the report.

Two Chinese government vessels were spotted by satellite imagery on December 20, when the number of ships peaked at 95, while a flagship vessel from the Philippine Navy was also seen near the area.

On the same day, only one of the 95 or more vessels deployed near Spratlys transmitted AIS data, according to AMTI.

Aside from fishing vessels, the other ships were from the Chinese Coast Guard and the People's Liberation Army-Navy.

The Philippines and China have disputing claims on the Spratly Islands. In 2015, the Philippine government won the arbritration case filed against China at The Hague, but the present administration has adopted a softer stance on the issue.—NB, GMA News

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