UH OH! China Moves Warships and Construction Barges to Philippines “Scarborough Shoal”
Superstation95.com
Sep 04, 2016
The Philippines expressed “grave concern” Sunday and demanded an explanation from China’s ambassador over what it said was an increasing number of Chinese boats near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea.
A Philippines Air Force plane flew over the rocky outcrop Saturday and spotted more boats than usual in a flotilla China has maintained since seizing the shoal after a tense standoff in 2012, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said.
“There were four Chinese coast guard ships and six other vessels, including blue-colored barges, around Scarborough Shoal,” he said in a text message sent to reporters.
“The presence of many ships other than coast guard in the area is a cause of grave concern.”
The Chinese Embassy in Manila could not be reached for comment.
Though the shoal, located just 230 km (650 miles) from the main Philippine island of Luzon, is merely a few rocks poking above the sea, it is important to the Philippines because of its tranquil waters and rich stocks of fish. Manila says China’s blockade of the shoal is a violation of international law.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said Friday he had received an “unsettling” intelligence report showing China had sent barges to Scarborough Shoal and had appeared to begin construction in the area for the first time.
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