MANILA: The Subi Reef is now serving as an anchoring hub for Chinese ships in the West Philippine Sea, a Philippine Navy official revealed Thursday. Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) for the Philippine Navy (PN), highlighted this development amid the persistent presence of Chinese vessels near Ayungin Shoal, Escoda Shoal, and Pagasa Island. According to Philippines News Agency, previous reports indicated that more than 80 assorted Chinese ships were spotted in the territorial waters surrounding Pagasa Island. Rear Admiral Trinidad explained, "We saw that their Maritime Militia continues to gather near Pagasa through Subi Reef, and Mischief Reef which is near Ayungin, as these features have enclosed havens, enclosed marinas, which are considered safe harbors for them. There is a significant concentration of Maritime Militia ships, along with the PLA Navy and Chinese Coast Guard, in these areas." Trinidad noted that Subi Reef is functioning as a terminal or park ing area for the Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM). On certain days, the concentration of CMM ships in the area can range from "150 to 200." This increased activity is attributed to Chinese reclamation efforts, which have transformed Subi Reef into a naval base over recent years, enhancing its capacity to host CMMs, People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), and Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels. Chinese occupation of Subi Reef began in 1988, with significant reclamation activities starting in 2014. The reef now boasts a runway, ports and harbors, storage facilities, communication equipment, and radar domes, establishing it as a fully operational facility. This transformation has led to Subi Reef being declared "off limits" to the Philippines, as noted by Rear Admiral Trinidad. "When they started reclamation and turned (Subi Reef) into a naval base, it was placed off-limits to us," he added.