By Junex Doronio

MANILA — In what could be interpreted as a “flexing of muscles”, China has sent 27 ships described as a “major maritime militia rotation” despite an agreement between the Philippines and China to ease tensions in the region through diplomacy.

It was learned that the 27 Qiong Sansha Yu-class ships were spotted south of the Spratly Islands and east of Bajo de Masinloc (Panatag or Scarborough Shoal).

Qiong Sansha Yu-class ships are reportedly professional maritime militia vessels operated by the state-owned Sansha Fisheries Development Company that often work in tandem with the China Coast Guard (CCG) in enforcing the communist country’s territorial claims in the South China Sea, including the WPS.

Ironically, last Wednesday (January 17), the Philippines and China convened the 8th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea in Shanghai.

During the discussions, the Philippines and China “agreed that continuous dialogue is important to keep peace and stability at sea” and “assured each other of their mutual commitment to avoid escalation of tensions.”

(el Amigo/MNM)