Manila Bulletin
Fewer Chinese vessels monitored in West Philippine Sea
The Philippine Navy has observed a significant decrease in the presence of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea, with 95 vessels monitored from June 25 to July 1, down from 129 the previous week.
The reduction in Chinese vessels from the People's Liberation Army Navy, Chinese Coast Guard, and maritime militia was noted across various areas, although the largest deployment of 22 vessels was seen near Pag-asa Island.
Specific numbers were recorded in other locations, including 20 Chinese vessels each at Ayungin Shoal and Julian Felipe Reef, and 14 vessels at Bajo de Masinloc.
Notably, no Chinese vessels were monitored at Kota Island, Likas Island, Lawak Island, and Patag Island.
This development coincides with the Philippines' plans to convene the Philippines-China Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) this month.
The Department of Foreign Affairs aims to use the BCM to establish confidence-building measures for future discussions with China.
Separately, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, General Romeo Brawner Jr., downplayed the presence of a Chinese Coast Guard 'monster ship' near Ayungin Shoal, describing it as an innocent passage.
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The Philippine Navy reported a decrease in the total number of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) from 129 to 95 between June 25 and July 1.
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A China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel and Chinese maritime militia ships intercepted two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels near Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.
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China Coast Guard (CCG) 5901, the world's largest coast guard ship nicknamed 'The Monster,' traversed 12 features within the West Philippine Sea over 10 days.
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The world's largest coast guard vessel, CCG 5901 or 'The Monster,' was monitored in the West Philippine Sea from June 17 to 27.
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A recent Pulse Asia poll revealed that over 60% of Filipinos desire a code of conduct in the South China Sea and want China to withdraw its coast guard and militia from the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.
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