Philippines Flags ‘Incursions’ by Nearly 300 Chinese Militia Boats Into Its Exclusive Economic Zone

Reuters via Epoch Times ^

[SeekAndFind]

The Philippines on Wednesday reported what it said were incursions into its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) by 287 maritime militia vessels from China, in a further sign of cracks reappearing in a relationship after a period of rapprochement.

“This incident along with continued illegal incursions of foreign vessels sighted near Philippine-held islands have been submitted to relevant agencies for the possible diplomatic actions,” the task force on the South China Sea said in a statement.

The Philippine foreign ministry has repeatedly complained to China in recent weeks about a “swarming and threatening presence” of Chinese vessels in its EEZ and has demanded they be withdrawn.

The Philippines has recently boosted its presence in the South China Sea through “sovereignty patrols,” in a show of defiance that critics say has been lacking under its pro-China president, Rodrigo Duterte, who has drawn domestic flak for his refusal to stand up to Beijing.

There was no immediate response to a request for comment from the Chinese embassy in Manila.

Experts say China’s fleet of fishing boats and coastguard are central to its strategic ambitions in the South China Sea, maintaining a constant presence that complicates fishing and offshore energy activities by other coastal states.

Chinese officials have previously denied there are militia aboard its fishing boats.

Duterte caused a stir last week when he said a landmark 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration that went in the Philippines’ favor in a dispute with China was just a “piece of paper” that he could throw in the trash.

The tribunal also ruled that China’s claims to almost the entire South China Sea, where about $3 trillion worth of ship-borne trade passes each year, had no legal basis.

[Joe Boucher]

Ain’t gonna do squat
China gonna Take Your fish and laugh at you Duarte

[ocrp1982]

The idiot “President” Duterte, a self-proclaimed Socialist who spent the early months and years kissing China’s ass, is learning that the real Commies in China view him as nothing more than a useful idiot. And, they fully realize the Philippines’ powerlessness to protect their own country and territory.
Duterte further eroded his position by snubbing President Trump to appease the CCP. Now, Dementia Joe is in office and this gov’t is not ever going to get involved in the Philippines territorial disputes with China. So, that country is relegated to whining and complaining. And, there is no one anywhere that’s going to intervene on their behalf.

[knarf]

Duterte has to go.

I never expected this from him

[Dapper 26]

Duterte, and the Filipino's, will rue the day they turned their back on President Trump in favor of the CCP. Without the backing of the US, Duterte has recognized that confronting China would be to "commit suicide", as he has said.

[SeekAndFind]

RE: Duterte has to go.

He has a year left in his term and he is term limited by the constitution. So, he’s leaving whether he likes it or not.

[Paul R.]

Who are the leading contenders?

[SeekAndFind]

RE: Who are the leading contenders?

Unfortunately, his DAUGHTER, Sara ( The Mayor of Davao ) is one contender because many are pushing for her to run.

I’m not sure about the others as it is still a year away and I don’t think anybody has announced his candidacy.

[knarf]

I've heard that too, but from an ex pat friend of mine in Davao City, she doesn't want the job.

Manny Pacquiao is supposed to be interested, but Duterte hates him and may run opposition.

Manny is a born again Christian and a Filipino hero as well as an elected and loved Senator.

There's not much chatter about the Presidential race at this time.