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Chinese vessels block Pinoys’ access to fishing grounds near Pag-asa Island

Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels were seen blocking Filipinos’ access to fishing grounds near the Pag-asa Island.

According to a tweet by GMA News’ Chino Gaston on Tuesday, Filipino fishermen in the area said the Chinese vessels were getting in their way.

Last week, Beijing passed a law that explicitly allows the CCG to open fire

The law was passed amid continued tensions over territorial disputes among China and several other countries across Asia, including the Philippines.

Senator Risa Hontiveros said the new Chinese law was a “very negative development not only in the context of the ongoing pandemic… but also in the context of long-standing tensions in the West Philippine Sea and in the whole South China Sea.” 

In June last year, Chinese vessels could also be seen in the background while top Philippine defense officials inaugurated a new beaching ramp on Pag-asa Island. 

The Chinese vessels also warded off Filipino fishermen in the area in years past. —Julia Mari Ornedo/LDF, GMA News