China Coast Guard patrols moved progressively closer to the Luzon coastline last year and intensified operations around Scarborough Shoal
China Coast Guard (CCG) patrols moved progressively closer to the Luzon coastline last year and intensified operations around Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, pushing Filipino fishermen away from their traditional fishing grounds, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.
The PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela, cited the observation in the PCG’s annual maritime security report, which also recorded a higher number of Chinese forces in the area, including vessels from the CCG, the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), and the Chinese maritime militia.
Tarriela said the report also showed a shift in how and where CCG vessels were operating.
