Philippines asserts sovereignty over Pag-asa Cays amid Chinese presence
On Sunday, April 27, the Philippines completed an 'Inter-Agency Maritime Operation' to assert sovereignty over Pag-asa Cays 1, 2, and 3, as well as their surrounding waters.
The Philippine Navy, Coast Guard, and National Police-Maritime Group participated in the operation, deploying four mixed teams aboard rubber boats to the cays.
During the exercise, Chinese vessels were observed near Cay-2 and Cay-3, including China Coast Guard vessel 5102 and seven Maritime Militia vessels.
The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea emphasized that the operation was conducted to debunk recent claims by China of taking possession of one of the cays in the area, with CCTV broadcasting photos of its coast guard hoisting the Chinese flag on what appears to be a disputed cay.
Teams also brought Philippine flags to counter the Chinese narrative and observed no occupation or infrastructure installation by Chinese authorities during their inspection.
The NTF-WPS urged China to act with restraint and uphold international law, reminding them of commitments made in the 2002 Declaration of Conduct.
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