A buildup of ships near Pag-asa island where a Filipino community resides has again become noticeable after a ship supposedly belonging to the People’s Liberation Army, a China Coast Guard vessel, and 42 Chinese Maritime Militia or CMM boats were spotted anchored off the disputed island on Saturday, the Department of Transportation said. In a report by PCG personnel stationed on Pag-asa, the Chinese vessels are approximately 4.5 to 8 nautical miles from the disputed island, or clearly inside the land feature’s 12 nautical mile territorial sea.

Ayeng, R. (2023, March 5). 44 Chinese vessels ring Pag-asa Island. Daily Tribune, p. A6.