THE Philippine Navy has reported an increase in the number of Chinese vessels present in three features of the West Philippine Sea (WPS), rising from 28 to 34 over the past week.
The latest monitoring update, spanning October 7 to 13, identified 34 Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels and People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warships in the Ayungin (Second Thomas), Escoda (Sabina), and Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough) shoals.
The Philippine Navy expressed concern over the continued illegal presence of Chinese vessels in the WPS, stating that it “blatantly disregards the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling and violates our sovereignty and sovereign rights.” The Navy emphasized the need to continue modernizing the AFP’s defense and security capabilities.
“We in the AFP remain committed to upholding international law and defending the integrity of our national territory,” the Navy added.
This latest update differs from previous reports, which included a wider range of WPS features. GMA News Online has reached out to Philippine Navy spokesperson Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad for clarification on the reporting changes but has yet to receive a response.
Last week, 190 Chinese vessels were monitored in 13 WPS features.
Tensions in the WPS continue as China asserts its claim to almost the entire South China Sea (SCS), a vital waterway for global trade. The Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei also have claims in the SCS.
In 2016, an international arbitration tribunal in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines regarding China’s claims in the SCS. However, China does not recognize the decision.
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