PCG watches over 'new level of aggression' in Batanes sea

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) intensified its patrol operations in Batanes after it monitored three China Coast Guard (CCG) ships that appeared to be "bracketing" the island province from Taiwan on Friday, Aug. 8, a development described by a maritime security analyst as a "new level of aggression."

- By MARTIN SADONGDONG

A PCG light utility Islander aircraft was deployed at 6 a.m. and flew over the first CCG vessel with bow number “4304” approximately 75 nautical miles west off the coast of Sabtang Island.

The PCG aircraft issued a radio challenge to the Chinese ship, emphasizing that it lacks legal authority to operate within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

“Unfortunately, the CCG vessel did not respond,” Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for West Philippine Sea (WPS), said.

The PCG aircraft failed to reach the two other Chinese vessels with bow numbers “3301” and “3304” a few miles away from the first ship due to adverse weather conditions.

Maritime security analyst Ray Powell said the three Chinese ships appeared to have been "bracketing" the coast of Batanes, the northernmost province of the country which faces Taiwan.

"This is the first time I've observed this behavior from the China Coast Guard. While the CCG has been much more active in the West Philippine Sea, this marks the first [time] I've seen it extend its intrusive patrols east of the Philippines," said Powell, a retired United States Air Force colonel and founder of SeaLight, a maritime transparency initiative at Stanford University's Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation.

Nonetheless, the PCG said it remains resolute and prepared to deploy additional resources should CCG vessels continue their presence or approach closer to the coastline of Batanes.