The number of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) has surged to 129, according to the Philippine Navy, reflecting a significant increase from 92 vessels recorded the previous week. This escalation includes Chinese maritime militia vessels (CMMV), China Coast Guard (CCG) ships, and People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warships.
Between August 13 and 19, the breakdown of Chinese vessels was as follows: 98 CMMV, 18 CCG, and 13 PLAN vessels. These vessels were observed in several key areas, including:
- Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal): 4 CCG, 3 PLAN, 6 CMMV
- Ayungin Shoal: 5 CCG, 41 CMMV
- Pagasa Islands: 1 CCG, 1 PLAN, 30 CMMV
- Kota Island: 3 CMMV
- Likas Island: 2 PLAN
- Lawak Island: 1 CCG, 2 PLAN, 3 CMMV
- Panata Island: 1 PLAN, 1 CMMV
- Patag Island: 2 CCG, 2 PLAN
- Escoda Shoal (Sabina Shoal): 5 CCG, 2 PLAN, 12 CMMV
- Iroquois Reef: 2 CMMV
Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, the Philippine Navy spokesperson for WPS, acknowledged the increase but stated that it remains within the “acceptable” range compared to the past two to three months, during which vessel counts have fluctuated between 92 and 156. He attributed these changes to varying sea conditions.
When asked specifically about the rise in Chinese vessels around Ayungin Shoal, where the BRP Sierra Madre is grounded and where China has blocked Philippine resupply missions, Trinidad refrained from speculating on their motives.
Tensions in the West Philippine Sea continue to escalate, with China’s extensive territorial claims overlapping those of several other nations, including the Philippines. Despite a 2016 international arbitration ruling in favor of the Philippines, which invalidated China’s claims, Beijing has not recognized the decision.