FLAG-RAISING CEREMONY

UPDATES ON THE WEST PHILIPPINE SEA

Commission on Appointments, Pasay City
June 22, 2015

REP. FRANCISCO ASHLEY Ace ACEDILLO

CHINAS ACTIVITIES IN
THE WEST PHILIPPINE
SEA

It is very clear that our territorial disputes in the West

Philippine Sea have, in fact, overtaken all security
issues in our hierarchy of national security concerns.
- Secretary Cesar Garcia
National Security Adviser

ASIAN FLASHPOINT

So

Ph
ilip
pin
e
We
st

WEST PHILIPPINE SEA

AO #29; 05 Sep 2012
Luzon Sea
Bajo de Masinloc
Kalayaan Island Group

uth
Ch
in

aS

ea

China & Taiwan on the North

Philippines in the East
Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia
& Brunei in the West & South

Se
a

SOUTH CHINA SEA

ASIAN FLASHPOINT
SOME MAJOR INCIDENTS/EVENTS

2009: Submission of
Chinas 9-Dash Line
Map
2009-2010: Diplomatic
Protests from
Philippines, Vietnam,
Malaysia and Indonesia

ASIAN FLASHPOINT
SOME MAJOR INCIDENTS/EVENTS

2012: Standoff bet Ch and Ph vessels

De facto Ch occupation of BDM
Ph filing of arbitration case before ITLOS
2013: Start of systematic reclamation
2014: Reclamation frenzy

CHINESE OCCUPIED FEATURES IN KIG AND DISTANCE

CLOSEST
TO
PALAWAN
ZAMORA
REEF
ZAMORA (SUBI)
(SUBI)
REEF

GAVEN
GAVEN REEF
REEF
CHIGUA
CHIGUA (KENNAN)
(KENNAN) REEF
REEF
KAGITINGAN
KAGITINGAN (FIERY
(FIERY CROSS)
CROSS)
REEF
REEF
CALDERON
CALDERON (CUARTERON)
(CUARTERON)
REEF
REEF
MABINI
MABINI (JOHNSON)
(JOHNSON) REEF
REEF
PANGANIBAN
PANGANIBAN (MISCHIEF)
(MISCHIEF)
REEF
REEF

PALAWAN

CHINESE OCCUPIED FEATURES IN KIG AND DISTANCE

CLOSEST
TO PALAWAN
ZAMORA
REEF
ZAMORA (SUBI)
(SUBI)
REEF
233.7NM
233.7NM from
from Latud
Latud Pt,
Pt, Rizal
Rizal

GAVEN
GAVEN REEF
REEF
204.1NM
204.1NM from
from Latud
Latud Pt,
Pt, Rizal
Rizal
CHIGUA
CHIGUA (KENNA)
(KENNA) REEF
REEF
180.6NM
180.6NM from
from Latud
Latud Pt,
Pt, Rizal
Rizal
KAGITINGAN
KAGITINGAN (FIERY
(FIERY CROSS)
CROSS)
REEF
REEF
263.4NM
263.4NM from
from Latud
Latud Pt,
Pt, Rizal
Rizal
CALDERON
(CUARTERON)
CALDERON (CUARTERON)
REEF
REEF
266.5NM
266.5NM from
from Latud
Latud Pt,
Pt, Rizal
Rizal
MABINI
(JOHNSON)
REEF
MABINI (JOHNSON) REEF
189.1NM
189.1NM from
from Latud
Latud Pt,
Pt, Rizal
Rizal
PANGANIBAN
PANGANIBAN (MISCHIEF)
(MISCHIEF)
REEF
REEF
134NM
134NM from
from Sicud
Sicud Pt,
Pt, Rizal
Rizal

20
0N
M

PALAWAN

Three (3) Reefs are within

the PHL Exclusive
Economic Zone (EEZ)

Most of the original structures in Chinese-occupied features had a

standard set of equipment

Piers
Communications equipment
2-3 naval guns

Helipad
Observation platforms
Light machine guns
s
CHIGUA (KENNAN)
REEF
MABINI (JOHNSON) REEF

NAVAL
GUNS

COMMUNICATION
S EQUIPMENT

LIGHT MACHINE
GUN

OBSERVATION
PLATFORM

Pre-BdM and Post-BdM

re-DoC and Post-DoC

Pre-BdM and Post-BdM

Pre-DoC and Post-DoC

Most of the original structures in Chinese-occupied features had a

standard set of equipment

Piers
Communications equipment
2-3 naval guns

Helipad
Observation platforms
Light machine guns
s
KAGITINGAN (FIERY CROSS) REEF

PIER

Pre-DoC and Post-DoC

HELIPAD

Pre-BdM and Post-BdM

MABINI (JOHNSON) REEF

ORIGINAL
STRUCTURE

DoC (2002)

BdM Standoff
(2012)

Total reclaimed Area: Approx 7.4 Hectares

Primary Building: Approx 4, 128 sqm floor area & 6-storey
high
Vegetation: Approx 120 tropical trees
Port Facility: 1 Jetty, 1 Permanent Pier (can cater to a 130meter ship)

AS OF MAY 2015

MABINI (JOHNSON) REEF

DoC (2002)

BdM Standoff
(2012)

AS OF MAY 2015

6-STOREY BUILDING
VEGETATIO
N

Total reclaimed Area: Approx 7.4 Hectares

Primary Building: Approx 4, 128 sqm floor area & 6-storey
high
Vegetation: Approx 120 tropical trees
Port Facility: 1 Jetty, 1 Permanent Pier (can cater to a 130meter ship)

CHIGUA (KENNAN) REEF

AS OF MAY 2015

DoC (2002)

ORIGINAL
STRUCTURE
Total reclaimed Area: Approx 6.8 Hectares
Primary Building:
Approx 4, 128 sqm floor area 6-storey
high
Vegetation:
Approx 100 tropical trees

BdM Standoff
(2012)

CHIGUA (KENNAN) REEF

OCTAGONAL AND
RECTANGULAR
STRUCTURES

AS OF MAY 2015

DoC (2002)
6 - STOREY
BUILDING
ORIGINAL
STRUCTURE
Total reclaimed Area: Approx 6.8 Hectares
Primary Building:
Approx 4, 128 sqm floor area 6-storey
high
Vegetation:
Approx 100 tropical trees

BdM Standoff
(2012)

GAVEN REEF

AS OF MAY 2015

DoC (2002)

ORIGINAL
Total reclaimed Area: Approx 7.9 Hectares
Primary Building:
Approx 4,128 sqm floor area 6- STRUCTURE
storey high
Port Facility:
1 Permanent Pier (can to cater to a
130-meter ship)

BdM Standoff
(2012)

GAVEN REEF

AS OF MAY 2015

DoC (2002)

ORIGINAL
STRUCTURE

BdM Standoff
(2012)

GAVEN REEF

AS OF MAY 2015

DoC (2002)

6-STOREY BUILDING

BdM Standoff
(2012)

CALDERON (CUARTERON)
REEF
MAY
2015
AS AS
OF OF
MAY
2015
ORIGINAL
STRUCTURE

DoC (2002)

Total reclaimed Area : Approx 12

Hectares
Primary Building
: Approx 4, 128 sqm
floor area 6-storey high
Aviation
: 1 helipad
Port Facility
: 1 Jetty, 1
Permanent Pier
(can to
cater to a 130-meter ship)

BdM Standoff
(2012)

CALDERON (CUARTERON)
REEF
MAY
2015
AS AS
OF OF
MAY
2015
ORIGINAL
STRUCTURE

DoC (2002)

Total reclaimed Area : Approx 12

Hectares
Primary Building
: Approx 4, 128 sqm
floor area 6-storey high
Aviation
: 1 helipad
Port Facility
: 1 Jetty, 1
Permanent Pier
(can to
cater to a 130-meter ship)

BdM Standoff
(2012)

CALDERON (CUARTERON)
REEF
MAY
2015
AS AS
OF OF
MAY
2015
ORIGINAL
STRUCTURE

DoC (2002)

PRE-FABRICATED
RECTANGULAR-SHAPED
AND OCTAGONAL
STRUCTURES
Total reclaimed Area : Approx 12
Hectares
Primary Building
: Approx 4, 128 sqm
floor area 6-storey high
Aviation
: 1 helipad
Port Facility
: 1 Jetty, 1
Permanent Pier
(can to
cater to a 130-meter ship)

BdM Standoff
(2012)

CALDERON (CUARTERON)
REEF
MAY
2015
AS AS
OF OF
MAY
2015
ORIGINAL
STRUCTURE

DoC (2002)

4 - STOREY
BUILDING

Total reclaimed Area : Approx 12

Hectares
Primary Building
: Approx 4, 128 sqm
floor area 6-storey high
Aviation
: 1 helipad
Port Facility
: 1 Jetty, 1
Permanent Pier
(can to
cater to a 130-meter ship)

BdM Standoff
(2012)

KAGITINGAN (FIERY CROSS)

REEF
AS OF APRIL
2015

DoC (2002)

ORIGINAL
STRUCTURE

BdM Standoff
(2012)

Total Reclaimed Area: Approx 10 Hectares

Aviation:
Approx 2,132 meters long
airstrip
Port Facility: 5 Jetties

KAGITINGAN (FIERY CROSS)

REEF
AS OF 07 MAY
2015

DoC (2002)

RECLAIM
ED AREA
ORIGINAL
STRUCTURE

BdM Standoff
(2012)

PANGANIBAN (MISCHIEF) REEF

Site 1 (North Side)

Site 2 (South Side)

AS OF MAY 2015
ORIGINAL
STRUCTURE
(Site 1)

DoC (2002)

DoC (2002)

BdM Standoff
(2012)

ORIGINAL
STRUCTURE
(Site 2)
Total Reclaimed Area:
Hectares
Port Facility
:

Approx 7.3
1 Jetty

BdM Standoff
(2012)

PANGANIBAN (MISCHIEF) REEF

Site 2 (South Side)

AS OF MAY 2015
AS OF MAY 2015

DoC (2002)

ORIGINAL
STRUCTURE
(Site 2)

ORIGINAL
STRUCTURE
(Site 1)

BdM Standoff
(2012)

DoC (2002)

ZAMORA (SUBI) REEF

DoC (2002)

AS OF APRIL
2015

ORIGINAL
STRUCTURE
Total Reclaimed Area: 100 Hectares
Port Facility
: 3 Jetties

BdM Standoff
(2012)

ZAMORA (SUBI) REEF

AS OF APRIL
2015

AS OF MAY 2015

11 CUTTER SECTION DREDGERS

OBSERVED

ASIAN FLASHPOINT

North Rock

BDM
South Rock

RA 9522 (2009): Bajo de Masinloc and KIG declared as PH Territory

Bajo de Masinloc, is under the Municipality of Masinloc, Zambales
- Large coral reef; 124 NM from Zambales Province
- Scarborough Shoal (Trading Ship Scarborough shipwrecked, 1789

SUSTAINED MARITIME PATROLS & HARASSMENT OF FILIPINO

VESSELS
CCG assets ranges from 13 vessels,
increases during crisis situations and
reinforced by PLAN vessels, such as
frigates Jiangkai, Jianghu, and Jiangwei
and Yuting landing ship tanks or LSTs

LUYANG I- CLASS DESTROYER

As of 11 May 2015

1 CCG VESSELS

2 CCG VESSELS

JIANGHU FRIGATE

Scarborough
Shoal

YUZHAO LPD

Second Thomas Shoal

SUSTAINED MARITIME PATROLS & HARASSMENT OF FILIPINO

VESSELS

27 March 2015: Three (3) cargo vessels and three

(3) CCG ships were monitored in Scarborough.

SUSTAINED MARITIME PATROLS & HARASSMENT OF FILIPINO

VESSELS

SUSTAINED MARITIME PATROLS & HARASSMENT OF FILIPINO

VESSELS

CCG vessels have been demonstrating aggressive behavior

since 2014

DESTROYED OUTRIGGER OF
F/B OG BARBIE-1
DESTROYED OUTRIGGER OF
F/B OCEAN GLORY MAMA
MARY 2:

26 Jan 2015: Filipino fishing

boats harassed by CCG
vessels

29 Jan 2015: Ramming of 2

Filipino vessels

17 Mar 2015: CCG vessel

used water cannons to
drive away Filipino vessels

DEPLOYMENT OF SURVEY VESSELS

China has also been monitored actively

conducting exploration activities, which could be
for mapping and surveying purposes

Monitored Chinese survey vessels in the WPS in

2014

Hai Yang Wagor 04

Xiang Yang Hong (XYH) Wagor 10
XYH Wagor 14
T.W. Nelson Wagor 792
Shupang-class AGS Hydrographic Survey Ship and XYH
Wagor 81

DEPLOYMENT OF SURVEY VESSELS

Xiang Yang Hong Wagor 14
19 June 2014
Lubang
Island
50NM

Xiang Yang Hong T.W. Nelson Wagor 792

28 June 2014
REED BANK

TAPIUTAN
ISLAND

145NM
PALAWA
N

DEPLOYMENT OF SURVEY VESSELS

02 July : Shupang AGS Hydrographic Survey Ship 875, was

seen in the vicinity of Likas (West York) Island, 102nm from
Recto Bank

Likas (West York)

Island
REED BANK
102NM
PALAWA
N

Shupang AGS Hydrographic Survey Ship

DEPLOYMENT OF SURVEY VESSELS

24 March 2015: 2
white ships in the
vicinity
21 March 2015: 1
vessel with bow nr 6
at the vicinity

RECTO
BANK

NORTHWEST BANKS

DEL PILAR
(PENNSYLVANIA) REEF
HOPKINS
HIRANE
REEF SHOAL

25 March 2015:
Unidentified white
vessel monitored

LAND RECLAMATION

CONSTRUCTION

KAGITINGAN (FIERY CROSS) REEF

MABINI (JOHNSON) REEF

PANGANIBAN (MISCHIEF) REEF

GAVEN REEF

ZAMORA (SUBI) REEF

CHIGUA (KENNAN) REEF

CALDERON (CUARTERON) REEF

MID YEAR 2015: TRANSITION

TO CONSTRUCTION STAGE

China has not

refrained from
undertaking other
operations, such as
the hydrographic
The oceanographic
possibility of
and
an oil rig
survey

deployment in
Recto Bank cannot
be discounted

More risky and costly

compared to the

Hai Yang Shi You 981 oil rig in the Paracels

MUNICIPALITY of KALAYAAN
LAWAK
(NASHAN ISLAND)
184 NM NW OF PPC PALAWAN
LAND AREA: 4.9 HA
OCCUPIED: 12 SEPT 1970
DIST TO PALAWAN: 148 NM
DIST TO CHINA: 573 NM

MUNICIPALITY of KALAYAAN
PATAG
(FLAT REEF)
174 NM NW OF PPC, PALAWAN
LAND AREA: 1.35 HA
OCCUPIED: 19 JUNE 1977
DIST TO PALAWAN: 152 NM
DIST TO CHINA: 566 NM

MUNICIPALITY of KALAYAAN
LIKAS
(WEST YORK
ISLAND)
236 NM NW OF PPC
LAND AREA: 25 HA
OCCUPIED: 19 APRIL 1971
DIST TO PALAWAN: 198 NM
DIST TO CHINA: 525 NM

MUNICIPALITY of KALAYAAN

PAROLA
(NORTHEAST CAY)
282 NM NW OF PPC, PALAWAN
LAND AREA: 15 HA
OCCUPIED: 19 APRIL 1971DIST
TO PALAWAN: 248 NM
DIST TO CHINA: 484 NM

MUNICIPALITY of KALAYAAN

PANATA
(LANKIAM CAY)
251 NM NW OF PPC, Palawan
LAND AREA: 1.3 HA
OCCUPIED: 03 MARCH 1978
DIST TO PALAWAN: 215 NM
DIST TO CHINA: 522 NM

MUNICIPALITY of KALAYAAN
RIZAL
(COMMODORE REEF)
217 NM NW OF PPC, PALAWAN
LAND AREA: 7 HA
OCCUPIED: 22 July 1980
DIST TO PALAWAN: 106 NM
DIST TO CHINA: 669 NM

MUNICIPALITY of KALAYAAN
KOTA
(LOAITA ISLAND)
266 NM West of PPC, PALAWAN
LAND AREA: 15 HA
OCCUPIED: 1 JULY 1971
DIST TO PALAWAN: 204 NM
DIST TO CHINA: 528 NM

MUNICIPALITY of KALAYAAN

PAG-ASA
ISLAND
(THITU ISLAND)
280 NM NW OF PPC, PALAWAN
LAND AREA: 32.6 Has
POPULATION: 120
FAMILIES: 33
OCCUPIED: 18 MARCH 1971
DIST TO PALAWAN: 234 NM
DIST TO CHINA: 502 NM

MUNICIPALITY of KALAYAAN
AYUNGIN
SHOAL
(2nd THOMAS
SHOAL)

266 NM West of PPC, PALAWAN

LAND AREA: 15 HA
OCCUPIED: 23 MAY 1999
DIST TO PALAWAN: 111 NM
DIST TO CHINA: 619 NM

57
LT

analysis
DIPLOMATIC

INFORMATIONAL

D.I.M.E.

APPLICATIONS OF INSTRUMENTS OF NATIONAL

POWER
MILITARY

ECONOMIC

D. I. M. E.

OBJECTIVE AT South China Sea

CHINA

To protect Chinese territory and territorial claims

and
to secure strategic resources such as oil and
gas.
Deliberate pursuit of Full-spectrum DIME Approach
Deliberate and Calibrated Process:
- Periods:

1991-1996;
1997-2001;
2002-2007;
2008-2011;
2012-Present

MIGHT is RIGHT
- Economic, Military, Social Cohesion

DIPLOMATIC ACTIONS
CHINA
TALK (Charm) and CREEP Strategy

ASEAN Charm Offensive (Multilateral Approach)

-

ASEAN-CHINA (1991)
ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) (1996)
ASEAN PLUS 3 i(2004)
SHANGRILA Dialogue (2006)

Ambassador to ASEAN (2008)

China hosted: Cultural Exchanges; Overseas Scholars
Bilateral Approach for Maritime Disputes
- PH-China; VN-China

INFORMATIONAL ACTIONS
CHINA

South China Sea (SCS) as Chinas Core Interest

SANSHA CITY (PRC declaration, July 2012 )
Revisionist Propaganda (New 10-line Map, June14)
Reclamation Projects as Sovereign Right
- Developments within our backyard

Notice to Mariners NOTAM covering WPS (Nov 2014 )

Tri-Media and Cyber Space Exploitation (PLA Third Department)
- Non-Participation; Non-Recognition of Decision in Arbitration Case;
- Deliberate study of Case (Academe, Historians, etc)
- Statement: China is a big country and other countries are small thats just a fact
(Foreign Min. Yang Jiechi)

Extensive Internal Audience Propaganda

(Nationalism/ Sensationalism)
- China: Patriotic Fish sell-out fm Mischief Reef
- Panganiban Reef is ours

MILITARY ACTIONS
CHINA
Rapid Military Modernization
- PLA-Navy Power Projection: Aircraft Carrier;
Submarine Base; South Sea Command

Aggressive maneuvers at sea:

- USNS Impeccable; USS Cowspen;

PLA-N & CCG/CMS Tandem at WPS

- White Role; Gray Support Strategy
- Sustained Presence

Blockade and Harassment of PH re-supply missions

De Facto Control of Bajo de Masinloc
Conducted Air-Exercise at Bashi Channel -2015
Fortresses and Runways in the WPS Fiery Cross & Subi Reefs

ECONOMIC ACTIONS
CHINA

China integrated its economy to Southeast Asia

ASEAN-China FTA (ACFTA)
Chinas incremental development aid to the ASEAN
Imposition of economic sanctions
- impounded PH Banana Exports in May 2012)

$3Billion China ASEAN Fund

Chinas New Asian Development Bank (2015)
- Economic & Security Benefits ($20B loans)
Linking of economic activities to military purposes and vice
versa
- Fish cages in Mischief Reef

SOME NET EFFECTS

Arms race in Asia
Power projection by China
Lack of ASEAN consensus on China threat
Increased tensions in ECS & SCS
Perceived lack of security guarantee from US

ASSESSMENT
OUR CHALLENGES AT SCS/WPS ARE COMPLEX:
Irregular, asymmetric, non-military in form
Combinations of multi-level approaches
Unrestricted, if translated to Chinas war strategy
The counter-strategy for such is not purely military. It
requires no less than a multi-agency, whole-of-nation, or
even a whole-of-region approach.

CHINESE F/V WITH GIANT CLAMS

ASSESSMENT
THE DEVELOPMENTS AT SCS/WPS:
Driven by Chinas broad and encompassing power strategy
For multi-purposes and ends (and military use, if necessary)
Grounded in Chinese belief of inviolable sovereignty and territorial
claims
Irrespective of the DOC or COC or Phs arbitration case
The accelerated reclamation and construction of facilities in
the SCS/WPS are designed to serve as Chinas fait accompli.

CHINESE F/V WITH GIANT CLAMS

implications for ph

Deprivation of Livelihood

Environmental Degradation

Loss of Rights to Maritime Resources

Diminution Of Territorial Integrity

Human Security Consequences

Redrawing of Territorial Boundaries

Restricted Freedom of Navigation

Security Threat to Claimant Countries

Changed International Order

CHINESE F/V WITH GIANT CLAMS

PARTY LIST
CONSIDER THIS:
Each administration, post-Marcos,
has contributed to the decline in
our position in the WPS:
Senate under Pres. CORY - Non-renewal of RP/US MBA
Pres. FVR - Loss of Mischief Reef in 1995 to China
Pres. GMA - Entry into JMSU w/ China & Vietnam
Pres. NOY - Over-reliance on arbitration

FLAG-RAISING CEREMONY
UPDATES ON THE WEST PHILIPPINE SEA
Commission on Appointments, Pasay City
June 22, 2015

REP. FRANCISCO ASHLEY Ace ACEDILLO