TRESPASSER. One of several Chinese vessels photographed by the Western Command loitering around the Ayungin Shoal on Thursday (Dec. 14, 2023). This prompted some experts to prematurely conclude that China has launched a full-fledged invasion of the West Philippine Sea. (Photo courtesy of Wescom)
PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan – The intensified swarming of Chinese vessels in the Ayungin Shoal can’t be considered an “invasion” yet despite heightened concerns raised by some security experts, according to the Western Command (Wescom).
Commander Ariel Coloma, Wescom spokesperson, told reporters Friday, that aerial patrols conducted earlier this week did confirm a continuation of Beijing’s “swarming tactics” in the area where the BRP Sierra Madre is grounded but it may be premature to call this an all-out invasion.
"As far as we are concerned, what we are seeing on the ground are the same old swarming tactics employed by the Chinese," Coloma said.
He was reacting to an article written by maritime security expert and former United States (US) defense official Ray Powell, calling Beijing’s increased presence in the disputed waters an “invasion.”
Coloma also urged the author to explain his basis for using the term "invasion" in his article published on the SeaLight website since it has led many to believe that the already tense situation in the West Philippine Sea has escalated even further.
In an article, the US Air Force veteran and project lead for Project Myoushu at Stanford University's Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation, used the term "invasion" to describe the presence of 11 Chinese vessels within the shoal on Dec. 11, while numerous others gathered around its perimeter.
"This highly unusual invasion of the shoal's interior appears to have been a calculated show of force by Beijing," Powell wrote.
He further stated that the entry of Chinese vessels into the shoal's interior is a rare event, with the presence of 11 vessels being the most extensive SeaLight has ever recorded, potentially constituting an "unprecedented" development.
Coloma said that as of Friday, Wescom aerial reconnaissance teams have observed 10 Chinese vessels in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal, a negligible increase from the nine spotted on Thursday.
Among these vessels are China Coast Guard (CCG) ships and Chinese maritime militia (CMM) vessels positioned within and outside Ayungin Shoal.
Typically, there is a single CCG ship lingering in the area along with other nearby stationed CMM vessels, a pattern consistent with conventional Chinese swarming strategy.
Responding to the situation, Coloma said Wescom deployed troops from BRP Sierra Madre aboard rubber boats to deter the Chinese vessels within Ayungin Shoal.
“We have air and surface assets currently patrolling the area. This is in addition to the littoral monitoring station aboard BRP Sierra Madre. We have been deploying our troops to try to confront these Chinese vessels,” Coloma added.
He stated that Wescom would report the findings of their aerial patrols and higher headquarters will decide whether a stronger response by the Armed Forces of the Philippines is warranted. (PNA)
