49 Chinese vessels spotted in WPS in June

A total of 49 Chinese vessels, including coast guard ships and navy warships, were observed in three key features of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) during June.

The vessels were sighted in Bajo de Masinloc, Ayungin Shoal, and Pag-asa Island.

Specifically, Bajo de Masinloc had nine China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels and 14 People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels; Ayungin Shoal had 12 CCG vessels and two PLAN ships; and Pag-asa Island was monitored with nine CCG vessels and three PLAN ships.

This reported number of 49 vessels marks the highest monthly count observed this year, exceeding previous counts of 11 in January, nine in February, 35 in March, 31 in April, and 41 in May.

Despite these observations, the Philippine Navy (PN) stated it remains vigilant and maintains a sustained presence in the WPS.

The PN also confirmed consistent maritime activity within the country's exclusive economic zone throughout the first half of the year.

Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the WPS, noted that the ships were in and out of the features and suggested potential reasons for the increase include weather or deployment cycles.