Philippine Officials Encounter Intimidation in the South China Sea
During a visit to Thitu Island on Saturday, Philippine Senator Risa Hontiveros and Coast Guard Spokesperson Brigadier General Jay Tarriera received a roaming message on their mobile phones that read, “Welcome to China.” This incident was highlighted as part of China’s ongoing intimidation tactics in the region, aimed at asserting claims to islands and reefs disputed by the Philippines and other nations.
Thitu Island, known as Pag-asa in Tagalog, is the second largest landmass in the Spratly Islands, which Filipinos refer to as the Kalayaan Islands. Despite its small size—just 0.37 square miles—it has been a Filipino settlement since 1974 and currently hosts around 400 residents.
The People’s Republic of China claims almost the entirety of the South China Sea, a stance that an international tribunal rejected in 2016. However, China has continued to escalate its tactics to assert control over disputed territories like the Spratlys, largely disregarding the tribunal’s ruling.
Chinese activity has drawn increasing scrutiny. There have been reports of aggressive measures aimed at preventing the Philippines from supporting its military presence at crucial reefs. Residents of Thitu feel the pressure as they know they are under close observation from the Chinese government.
In August, Chinese state media accused the Philippine presence on Thitu of being “illegal” and expressed concerns about potential militarization of the island. This rhetoric has only intensified since then, as various Chinese agencies have criticized Filipino activity in the area.
Local fishermen have voiced their frustrations, describing instances of Chinese boats chasing them away and using drones to surveil their fishing efforts. One fisherman remarked, “Sometimes, we’re forced to stay on one side of the island because of them.” Another added, “We know we’re in the right, but their boats are much larger than ours, so we just avoid confrontation.” This situation has become increasingly alarming for the inhabitants of Thitu Island, who rely on shipments for basic supplies—a lifeline that could easily be obstructed by China.
Hontiveros and Tarriera’s visit aimed to reinforce the Philippine government’s support for Thitu’s residents. Upon arriving, they noticed a significant presence of Chinese naval and coast guard vessel activity around the island.
While addressing the islanders, Hontiveros reaffirmed commitment to the Kalayaan archipelago, declaring, “We will never abandon Pag-asa.” She also called for ongoing diplomatic efforts against China’s encroachment, emphasizing the need for increased collaboration with allied nations for regional security.
Hontiveros also mentioned concerns regarding Vice President Sara Duterte, who is eyeing a 2028 presidential run and may lean back towards her father’s more conciliatory approach regarding China, contrasting the current administration’s hard-line stance.
Brigadier General Tarriera praised Hontiveros for her courageous support, which included delivering food, desalination equipment, and healthcare to the islanders. He encouraged others in leadership to follow suit, highlighting the importance of showing continued solidarity with residents in times of uncertainty.
In his remarks, Tarriera stated that it’s crucial for the military to safeguard the island, expressing a strong sense of duty to protect and defend the territory against potential threats.
The visit was not just about affirming presence; it was a reminder to the islanders that they are not forgotten and that their government is prepared to support and protect them while enhancing their living conditions.
