West Philippine Sea sees drop in presence of Chinese vessels

China Coast Guard ships (background L and R) are seen past the Philippine Coast Guard ship BRP Cape Engano (C), as photographed from the BRP Cabra during a supply mission to Sabina Shoal in disputed waters of the South China Sea on August 26, 2024. FILE PHOTO/Agence France-Presse

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 157 Chinese vessels in various locations within the West Philippine Sea (WPS) were monitored by the Philippine Navy from September 10 to 16 this year.

This data shows a significant decrease compared to the 400 foreign ships – 85 percent from China — monitored last year.

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In a press briefing on Tuesday, Armed of the Philippines spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the 157 consists of 26 Chinese Coast Guard vessels, seven People’s Liberation Army Navy ships, 123 Chinese maritime militia vessels, and one research survey vessel.

Based on the data she shared with the media, 17 out of the 157 were spotted in Bajo de Masinloc, 17 in Ayungin Shoal, 32 in Pagasa Islands, four in Lawak Island, four in Panata Island, 65 in Sabina Shoal, and 17 in Iroquois Reef.

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Last week, a Navy report revealed that 206 Chinese vessels were spotted within WPS from September 3 to 9.