The Philippine Navy has reported the highest count of Chinese vessels spotted in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) this year, with a total of 207 ships monitored over the past week.
Navy spokesperson for the WPS, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, confirmed during a briefing that the latest sightings include 182 Chinese maritime militia vessels, 18 China Coast Guard ships, six People’s Liberation Army Navy warships, and one research vessel.
“This is the most we’ve observed this year. Many maritime militia vessels are concentrated around Escoda or Sabina Shoal,” said Trinidad. He also mentioned concerns about increased coral damage in the area, which the Navy is investigating for possible man-made causes.
The detailed breakdown of the Chinese ships spotted from September 3 to 9 includes:
- Bajo de Masinloc: 1 Coast Guard ship, 12 militia vessels
- Ayungin Shoal: 8 Coast Guard ships, 2 militia vessels
- Pagasa Islands: 1 Coast Guard ship, 49 militia vessels
- Likas Island: 1 militia vessel
- Lawak Island: 4 militia vessels
- Panata Island: 1 militia vessel
- Rizal Reef: 1 research vessel
- Escoda Shoal: 8 Coast Guard ships, 5 PLAN warships, 55 militia vessels
- Iroquois Reef: 1 PLAN warship, 58 militia vessels
Trinidad also noted that this increase in vessel activity is expected, as Chinese ships often take shelter in ports during inclement weather. Following the recent typhoon, ships from Bajo de Masinloc returned to Hainan and were replaced by vessels from Mischief and Subi Reefs.
Meanwhile, a commentary published in China’s People’s Daily emphasized that relations between China and the Philippines are at a “crossroads” amid ongoing tensions over the South China Sea. China urged for dialogue and cooperation, warning against conflict and confrontation.
China claims nearly the entire South China Sea, overlapping with the Philippines and other neighboring countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. Despite a 2016 international arbitration ruling in favor of the Philippines, China continues to reject the decision.