PN monitors record 207 Chinese vessels in WPS

The Philippine Navy (PN) monitored a record high of 207 Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) from September 3 to 9, following the passage of tropical storm Enteng.

Of the total, 182 were Chinese maritime militia vessels (CMMVs), 18 were China Coast Guard (CCG) ships, six were People's Liberation Army - Navy (PLA-N) warships, and one was a research and survey vessel.

The number of vessels is slightly higher than the 203 monitored from August 27 to September 2.

Sabina Shoal, also known as Escoda, had the highest concentration of Chinese vessels with 68 ships, with the BRP Teresa Magbanua nearby.

Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, PN spokesperson for WPS, stated that while the number is high, it does not necessarily indicate suspicious activity and is within the normal range of Chinese fleet capabilities.

He also noted that the presence of even one Chinese ship in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) is considered illegal.

The PN is also assessing an increased deployment of Chinese vessels at Rozul Reef (Iroquois Reef), comprising 58 CMMVs and one PLAN vessel.