Chinese vessels spotted near Kota, Panata Islands — int’l think tank

Chinese vessels have reportedly been spotted near Philippine-occupied Kota and Panata Islands in the South China Sea, according to international think tank Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative.

A report on GMA News TV's Quick Response Team on Wednesday showed photos taken on March 12, 16, 29 and April 7 where the activities of the Chinese vessels were supposedly seen.

Fifteen huge Chinese fishing vessels and eight small boats were spotted on March 29.

Meanwhile on April 7, six huge vessels and two boats were found.

The report said the Armed Forces of the Philippines has yet to provide an explanation as to the presence of the Chinese vessels in the vicinity of the two islands, which the Philippines has occupied since 1978.

Aside from the Kota and Panata Islands, Chinese vessels have also swarmed Pag-asa Island off the coast of Palawan.

From January to March this year, about 275 Chinese vessels have been spotted near and around the area of Pag-asa Island, according to the Philippine military.

Malacañang earlier said that if there are indeed Chinese vessels near the islands occupied by the Philippines, the government would file another protest against China. — Erwin Colcol/RSJ, GMA News