124 CHINESE VESSELS SEEN ON WEST PHILIPPINE SEA

The Philippine Navy confirmed the sudden increase in Chinese ships in the West Philippine Sea this week in conjunction with the Balikatan Exercise. They also agreed to the plan to sink an old training ship that was made in China. 

China's monitored ships in the West Philippine Sea have suddenly increased while with the launch of the Balikatan Exercise by the Philippines and America near the disputed territory.

China vessels increase in the West Philippine Sea (Photo courtesy of Ted Aljibe/Philippine Star)

From April 16 to April 22, the Philippine Navy monitored 124 Chinese vessels gathering near Bajo de Masinloc, Ayungin Shoal, and Pagasa Island in Palawan. This is far from just over 70 ships that often stay in those areas during the first weeks of April.

According to the Philippine Navy, the military saw only ships of the Chinese Navy, China Coast Guard, and China Militia vessels. China has not commented on this but such scenes in the West Philippine Sea are not new.

So, the Philippines is not affected either, in fact the actions in Balikatan include the sinking of the old Navy ship. This is the BRP Lake Caliraya formerly BRP Lapu-lapu, this ship made in China will serve as a target for the Philippines and America, and is intended to be sunk in Laoag Ilocos Norte.

In the Global Times article which is controlled by China stated that the Philippines seems trying to choose the BRP Lake Caliraya to serve as an enemy ship in the Balikatan exercise. If the Philippines sinks such a ship, don't get too excited and have an illusion that it can sink real ships too.

It is said that China's patience and restraint also have a limit, and they are ready to take a step that the Philippines cannot handle.

The Philippine Navy, on the other hand, did not hesitate to choose a ship to be the target of the exercise. Because BRP Lake Caliraya is old, and it was chosen, it also happens to be made in China.

Source: Philippine Star

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