Beijing's actions are not that of a friend, Sen. Richard Gordon said, following the reported presence of hundreds of Chinese vessels in disputed waters off Pag-asa Island (Thitu Island). The military recently expressed concern over the Chinese vessels that have been almost stationary near the island since January. The vessels are considered as "maritime militia", which sustains Beijing’s "assertive presence" in the area, said LTC Elpidio Factor of the Western Command. "Sabi ng China kaibigan natin sila, pero a friend does not send hundreds of army, hundreds of navy, does not send hundreds of vessels to harass our fishermen in our territory," Gordon was quoted as saying in a statement released Saturday by his office.

Gordon says China is not a friend. (2019, April 8). The Daily Guardian, p. 12.