Coast Guard: Over 135 Chinese vessels ‘swarming’ Julian Felipe ReefThe Philippine Coast Guard says that Chinese maritime militia vessels are swarming the area of Julian Felipe Reef in the West Philippine Sea. MANILA, Philippines — More than 135 Chinese maritime militia vessels were monitored in the vicinity of Julian Felipe (Whitsun) Reef in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine Coast Guard reported Sunday. The PCG said it initially observed on November 13 111 Chinese vessels swarming the Julian Felipe Reef, which is part of the Kalayaan Island Group in the contested waterway. The number of Chinese militia vessels rose to 125 based on the military’s monitoring, and by Saturday, over 135 boats were “dispersed and scattered” in the area, according to the Coast Guard. Julian Felipe Reef is located 175 nautical miles, or around 320 kilometers, west of Bataraza town in Palawan.

Source: Philippine Star December 03, 2023 22:28 UTC