Over the past three months, an armada of Chinese paramilitary vessels has swarmed around the Philippine-occupied Thitu Island, marking a dramatic escalation in the two countries' maritime disputes. Since January, there have been sightings of 657 Chinese vessels suspected of belonging to the People's Liberation Army Maritime Militia Forces, according to the Philippine military. As many as 275 vessels, equipped with state-of-the-art electronic communication and likely with armed personnel, have been involved in a months-long siege of Thitu Island. Along with seven other land features in the Spratlys, Thitu is considered by the Philippine constitution as national territory. Over the past five years, China has transformed nearby Subi Reef, which is also claimed by the Philippines, into a full-fledged island with modern military facilities. The Chinese armada around Thitu is likely engaged in monitoring and restricting the Philippines' efforts to improve its facilities on the island, and access to nearby Sandy Cay, a sandbar that has served as a shelter for Filipino fishermen. Chinese militia forces were also spotted around nearby Kota Island, under Philippine jurisdiction for decades. After initially denying their presence, Chinese officials have since insisted that the paramilitary vessels are rightfully present because the Spratlys belong to China. Beijing also seems to justify the siege with the argument that it must prevent the U.S. from using Philippine facilities in the area. Thousands of Filipinos from across the political spectrum have joined protests anti-China protests. The timing becomes crucial for Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte as he prepares to visit China for the fourth time in three years later in April.
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