China vessels seen near Pag-asa Island as officials inaugurate beaching ramp

Several boats of Chinese fishing militia were seen near Pag-asa Island as defense officials inaugurated a beaching ramp in the area on Tuesday.

According to Chino Gaston’s report on “24 Oras,” around 16 Chinese fishing ships were seen around Sandy Cay sandbar near the island, occupied by the Philippines but claimed as well by China.

Soldiers in Pag-asa Island said the Chinese vessels are not really there to fish but to observe the activities of the Philippine military and citizens.

Filipino fishermen have been avoiding the area frequented by the Chinese ships.

The BRP Conrado Yap, one of the Philippine Navy’s new warships, also patrols the area.

The Philippines has been occupying the Pag-asa Island since the 1960s.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who led the inauguration of the beaching ramp along with Armed Forces chief General Felimon Santos, said he was aware of the presence of the Chinese fishing militia. 

“Okay naman tayo. The Chinese have said that they will not attack us so safe tayo rito,” he said.

Lorenzana earlier said the Philippines would not militarize Pag-asa Island since the government did not see any threat from the foreign vessels in the area.

Meanwhile, the Defense secretary and reporters who went to Pag-asa Island on Tuesday were welcomed by text messages saying “Welcome to China” or “Welcome to Vietnam.”

Smart Communications Inc. explained that its cellular site in the area had been down for several months, which is why Pag-asa Island visitors were greeted by Smart’s partner telcos. -Julia Mari Ornedo/NB, GMA News