Satellite Images Reveal Chinese Vessels Cluster Near Disputed Philippine Island Amid Tensions

The recent satellite images shows a large number of Chinese civilian vessels positioned near Thitu Island, a key Philippine outpost in the contested South China Sea. Despite the build-up of around 60 ships, Philippine officials have dismissed the presence as routine, with no immediate cause for concern.

The images, captured by Maxar Technologies on Monday, reveal Chinese-registered fishing vessels within two nautical miles of Thitu Island. Vice Admiral Alfonso Torres, chief of the Philippines Western Command, stated that such gatherings of maritime militia ships were common in the area. These vessels, which work alongside the Chinese Coast Guard and Navy, are part of China’s ongoing efforts to assert control over disputed waters, according to the Pentagon and diplomats.

Rear Admiral Roy Trinidad, the Philippines Navy spokesman for the South China Sea, also emphasized that the presence of these ships did not pose a threat. “It’s not a cause for concern,” Trinidad remarked, adding that Manila was closely monitoring the situation. The Philippine Navy considers these vessels to have an illegal presence but does not feel compelled to react hastily.

Thitu Island, known as Pag-Asa in the Philippines, plays a crucial role in monitoring Chinese activity in the South China Sea. The island is located near a Chinese naval base on Subi Reef, which has occasionally been a staging ground for Chinese maritime militia vessels.

Security experts are watching the situation closely, noting that the Chinese vessels were broadcasting their locations via transponders this week, making them trackable. Collin Koh, a Singapore-based security analyst, suggested that Beijing might be testing the Philippine government’s response, particularly during a period of political turmoil. Vice President Sara Duterte recently accused President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of attempting to remove her from office, heightening domestic tensions.

If the presence of Chinese vessels persists, analysts like Koh speculate that China could be attempting to delay the Philippines’ planned construction projects on Thitu Island, including a new aircraft hangar expected to be completed soon.