MANILA, Philippines - A Chinese ship has linked up with two other Chinese ships in the Philippine-owned Ayungin Shoal near Palawan, according to the military.
A military official, who asked not be named, said China wants to occupy Ayungin.
“As of yesterday (Monday), another Chinese Maritime Surveillance vessel was monitored at the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal, bringing to three the number of vessels in the area,†the military official said.
The military official said the Chinese navy intends to establish a foothold in Ayungin after demanding the removal of the grounded BRP Sierra Madre.
China has been deploying ships in Ayungin Shoal for almost a month now.
At one point, several Chinese missile-firing frigates were also monitored in the area.
Last month, the Chinese frigates disappeared when the USS Nimitz launched a two-day naval exercise.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has protested China’s illegal acts in Ayungin Shoal.
However, China dismissed the DFA protest as being without basis.