TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Three China coast guard ships were reportedly patrolling the Bashi Channel between Taiwan and the Philippines’ Batanes Province on Friday. 

The ships, identified as CCG 3301, 3304, and 4304, appeared to form a barrier between Taiwan and the Philippines, reported the Inquirer. The maneuvering of the vessels has been described as unusual, as China’s coast guard rarely crosses the Bashi Channel. 

Ray Powell, the director of the SeaLight maritime observation agency, called the ship’s path around the Northern Batanes an “intrusive patrol.” He said the “bracketing” pattern of the ships may represent a new level of aggression. 

The ships appeared less than 100 nautical miles (185 km) from the Batanes Islands one day after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. drew international attention for comments on Taiwan. Marcos said the Philippines would inevitably become involved in a conflict between China and Taiwan. 

According to Marcos, the need to evacuate Philippine citizens from Taiwan would amount to a humanitarian crisis for the Philippines, and the country would be forced to “defend territory and sovereignty.” He said there is no way to avoid involvement and cited the country’s geographic location. 

Last year, the Philippines began organizing efforts to enhance port infrastructure in the Batanes with the help of the US. The new seaport will be critical for the mass evacuation of Filipinos from Taiwan. 

Marcos’ remarks, made during a state visit to India, drew anger from China, which said the leader was “playing with fire” on Taiwan. At a press conference on Friday, China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin (汪文斌) said Marcos was “ fudging and hollowing-out” the “one-China policy,” reported Philstar. 

China reportedly lodged a strong protest from its embassy in Manila because of the president’s statements.