The Philippine Navy reported that the number of Chinese vessels observed in three key areas of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) has risen to 34, up from 28 last week. These vessels include Chinese Coast Guard and People’s Liberation Army Navy ships and were seen near Ayungin Shoal, Escoda Shoal, and Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) between October 7 and 13.
The Navy condemned the presence of these Chinese vessels, stating that it violates Philippine sovereignty and disregards the 2016 ruling from an international tribunal in The Hague, which ruled in favor of the Philippines regarding territorial claims in the South China Sea. The Philippine military emphasized the importance of continued modernization to protect national interests.
Meanwhile, tensions in the region remain high as China continues to assert claims over most of the South China Sea, despite competing claims from the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations