Manila Philippines – Philippine Navy Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad confirmed that the Subi Reef which is part of Spratly Island serves as an ‘anchoring hub’ of Chinese ships.
This was Trinidad’s response over the continued presence of Chinese ships being observed in Pagasa Island. Based on the report of Maritime Expert Ray Powell, at least 83 Chinese Maritime Militia Vessels, and Fishing Vessels were spotted in Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea.
Subi Reef is 285 nautical miles away from Palawan, clearly within the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Philippines.
Trinidad insisted that the Chinese ships are clustered in Subi Reef near Mischief Reed because of the abundant resources in that part of the ocean, it also has an ‘enclosed haven’ and an enclosed marina’ that can be considered a safe harbor of various types of Chinese ships.
It is said that Sabina Reef also serves as a terminal or parking area for Chinese Maritime Militia Vessels. Trinidad added that several days 150 to 200 Chinese Maritime Militia Vessels gathered at Sabina Reef.
The official also confirmed that this is part of China’s reclamation in the development of Subi Reef to a naval base for the People’s Liberation Army Navy Vessels, China Coast Guard and Chinese Maritime Militia Vessels.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has yet to comment on this, but since 1988, Chinese ships have occupied the Subi Reef, and reclamation commence in 2014.