Philippine Coast Guard slams the Chinese 'for using maritime militia to encroach on territory' in South China Sea

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) slammed the Chinese for allegedly using maritime militia to encroach on other nations' territories in the South China Sea.

PCG spokesperson Jay Tarriela accused the Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) of being an extension of the China Coast Guard (CCG) after several Chinese Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats were spotted gathering at the contested Escoda Shoal.

Videos published on August 15 show the Chinese passengers of the rubber boats boarding CCG vessel 5303.

In a statement, Tarriela said: 'Instead of conducting inspections, they interacted with the crew of the CMM as if they were familiar acquaintances, sharing meals together. It is evident that no formal boarding procedures were carried out by the CCG to question the CMM's intentions, despite their prolonged presence without any signs of fishing.

'This clearly indicates that the Chinese Maritime Militia is recognized by the Chinese Coast Guard as an integral part of their maritime operations, aiding in encroaching upon the Exclusive Economic Zones of other countries throughout the South China Sea. These state-subsidized maritime militia support the CCG and the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) in intimidating neighboring maritime states such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.'

He also said China had neglected its responsibilities in enforcing fishing regulations by not inspecting the militia boats, as CCG 5303 was included in the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) Register of Authorized Inspection Vessels.

CCG 5303 arrived in Escoda Shoal to replace Beijing's 'monster ship' CCG 5901, which had been anchored there since July 3 before leaving on August 10.

Expansionist China currently lays claim over almost the entire South China Sea, one of the world's busiest sea lanes. But a United Nations-backed tribunal in 2016 deemed its claims groundless.

The Communist rogue state - accused of genocide for its crimes against the Uyghur population - has been steadily increasing its influence in recent years through investment in developing countries.