The Philippine government has released news that about 220 Chinese fishing boats were found assembled around the coral reefs of the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea in the early part of this month. The Philippine government believes that this is the Chinese maritime militia deployed fishing boats, the country’s Foreign Minister Lochin revealed on Twitter on March 21 that it has protested to the Chinese side through diplomatic channels. In response, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary said at a press conference on March 22: the issues surrounding the South China Sea, which are directly linked to regional peace and stability, are matters of concern to the international community, including our country, and we are strongly opposed to all actions that increase tension in the South China Sea.
When asked by a reporter how Japan should respond if something like this happens near the Diaoyu Islands, Kato said: “I don’t want to give a specific answer to a hypothetical question.
Kato went on to say that the Senkaku Islands are historically and internationally recognized as our inherent territory and are being effectively ruled.
According to a Philippine government release on March 20, a large number of fishing boats were confirmed on March 7 to be moored in the waters around the coral reefs about 175 nautical miles (about 324 kilometers) west of Palawan Island in the west of the country. The Philippine government has identified the area as being within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The vessels allegedly do not operate even on sunny days and are lit up with white lights at night. The Philippines, China and six other countries and regions have a rivalry over sovereignty in the Spratly Islands, and the Philippine side believes the act may be a declaration of Chinese sovereignty.
Philippine Defense Secretary Lorenzana expressed serious concern about this in a statement on the 21st and condemned “this as a clear provocation to sub-military basing”.
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