34 Chinese vessels monitored in West PH Sea from Oct. 7-13

TENSION IN THE HIGHSEAS China Coast Guard ships are seen near the Philippine Coast Guard ship BRP Cape Engaño, as photographed from the BRP Cabra during a supply mission to Escoda (Sabina) Shoal in the South China Sea on Aug. 26, 2024 — AFP

MANILA, Philippines — Thirty-four Chinese vessels were monitored in three locations in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) from October 7 to 13, the Philippine Navy said on Tuesday.

The Navy said China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels were monitored at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, Sabina (Escoda) Shoal, and Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal).

READ: Chinese vessels in West Philippine Sea drops to 178, PH navy reports

However, the agency did not provide the number of Chinese vessels in other areas in the region and the type of ships it spotted during the period.

“Their continued illegal presence in the West Philippine Sea blatantly disregards the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling and violates our sovereignty and sovereign rights. This also highlights the need to continue modernizing the defense and security capabilities of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines),” the Navy’s statement read.

“We in the AFP remain committed to upholding international law and defending the integrity of our national territory,” it added.

During the last week of September, the Navy logged 178 Chinese vessels in the WPS.

Of the 178 Chinese vessels, 28 were CCG vessels, 17 were People’s Liberation Army Navy ships, 131 were Chinese maritime militia vessels, and two were research survey vessels.