Chinese maritime militia boldly intrude in Philippine EEZ
Chinese 'fishing boats' line up with military precision at Whitsun Reef. (Armed Forces of the Philippines)
Many believe that Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea will be the site of a Chinese effort to establish a military base, so that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) can complete its full house of bases in the Spratly Islands.
However, it is the little-known Whitsun Reef (the largest reef in the Union Banks) that has emerged as the newest target in Beijing’s illegal maritime territorial claims.
In March, the Philippine military and government expressed concern at the presence of a staggering 220 Chinese fishing boats at Whitsun Reef, located 175nm west of Bataraza on Palawan Island in the
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
New Zealand buys tri-service uncrewed kit from Syos Aerospace
As uncrewed technology continues to play an increasingly central role in modern military activities, New Zealand’s recent acquisitions point towards its the force’s focus on cost-effective capability.
-
Golden Dome for America hits one-year mark but key questions remain on its progress
Integration issues, bureaucracy and undefined policies and authorities could hamper the full implementation of the “shield” to defend the US territory against aerial threats.
-
US Air Force pushes Sentinel’s initial capability to early 2030s despite China’s nuclear progress
While the US struggles to modernise the 50-year-old land leg of its nuclear triad, China has been rapidly developing and fielding new nuclear capabilities.