GMA News
65 Chinese ships in Escoda Shoal — PH Navy
A total of 65 Chinese vessels, comprising nine Coast Guard ships, four PLA Navy vessels, and 52 maritime militia ships, have been observed at Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.
Philippine Navy spokesperson for WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad asserted that China does not control Escoda Shoal and their presence is illegal.
Trinidad stated that the Philippines will continue to perform its mandate and will not be deterred from asserting its presence in the West Philippine Sea, including Escoda Shoal.
Even without physical presence, the Philippines possesses various capabilities, including air-based and space-based monitoring, to observe developments in Escoda Shoal.
Presence is defined not solely by physical deployment but by monitoring capabilities that track changes and developments, such as the accumulation of crushed corals.
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The number of Chinese vessels monitored in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) has decreased to 157 from 207 last week, according to the Philippine Navy.
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The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has deployed a replacement vessel to Escoda Shoal after the BRP Teresa Magbanua was recalled.
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Escoda Shoal, a low-tide elevation within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), has become a flashpoint due to its strategic location and proximity to the oil and gas-rich Reed Bank.
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The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported a record-high of 251 Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) from September 17 to 23, 2024, marking the highest concentration observed this year.
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The Philippines and China held a Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) meeting in Beijing on September 11 to discuss issues in the South China Sea, particularly concerning Escoda Shoal.
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