Satellite Images Show More Than 60 Chinese Vessels Are Blockading Disputed Philippine Islands

Satellite images show that about 60 Chinese ships are massing near Thitu Island, a key Philippine-controlled area in the South China Sea.

Images taken by Maxar Technologies and seen by Reuters show some ships two nautical miles from the island.

Tito Island, known locally as Pag-asa, is the Philippines’ most important outpost in the region for monitoring Chinese activities in these turbulent waters.

Lieutenant General Alfonso Torres, commander of the Philippines’ Western Command, sought to ease concerns, saying it was normal for Chinese maritime militia vessels to gather in the area. “It’s not a cause for concern,” he said.

Philippine Navy spokesman Admiral Roy Trinidad called the presence of the vessels “illegal” but added that there was no reason to panic.

“We don’t have to respond to everything they do. What’s important is that we stand firm,” he explained.

The so-called fishing vessels registered in China are believed to work closely with the Chinese Coast Guard and Navy.

However, China has never officially acknowledged the existence of its maritime militia, and its Ministry of Defense has not commented on the recent buildup.

Chinese and Philippine ships have been in battles for months, especially around Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal. Thitu Island is near Subi Reef, where China has built a naval base and airfield.

Security experts believe the meeting could be a move by China to test the Philippines’ response, especially given the current political tensions in Manila.

Singapore-based security analyst Colin Koh said China could be trying to delay construction on Thitu Island, where the Philippines is allegedly building an aircraft hangar expected to be completed soon. “This situation must be closely monitored,” Koh warned.