A China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel has moved closer to the Philippines, passing an island just 40 kilometers west of Calatagan in Batangas over the weekend, according to a maritime group.
SeaLight, a maritime transparency project that monitors activities in the South China Sea, reported that the 135-meter CCG 5303 was 60 nautical miles west of Lubang Island at 4:20 p.m. on Sunday.
Retired United States Air Force Col. Ray Powell, director of SeaLight, stated that the ship is conducting an intrusive patrol. Powell explained that intrusive patrolling is a crucial part of “China’s strategy to reinforce its expansive maritime claims in disputed waters.” He added, “By doing so, China aims to establish a continuous presence and gradually normalize its maritime activities in these areas.”