Standoff in The South China Sea

BRP Gregorio de Pilar

On Sunday, a Philippine Navy surveillance aircraft spotted eight Chinese fishing boats in Philippine waters. The BRP Gregorio de Pilar was dispatched. Tuesday upon boarding one of the vessels it's inspection crew found "large amounts of illegally collected corals, giant clams and live sharks" in the boat's compartments.


The inspection team returned and reported. Before the Gregorio de Pilar could begin making arrests, two Chinese maritime surveillance ships showed up, and placed themselves between the fishing boats and the Gregorio de Pilar.


With this began the standoff. The Philippines have protested to the Chinese government, but China responded by stating that the area is Chinese territory. This despite the area being recognized as belonging to the Philippines by UN treaty. China in fact claims almost the whole South China Sea to be theirs.

Wednesday the Philippines dispatched a coast guard vessel to join the Gregorio de Pilar. By the time it arrived on Thursday, a third Chinese vessel had arrived. Latest reports from the BBC state that the Gregorio de Pilar has pulled back, but the Philippine government would not state why.


The Philippines are scheduled to undergo naval operations with the US Navy, April 16-27, near the area.