178 Chinese vessels sighted in WPS

A total of 178 Chinese vessels, including 17 People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ships, were observed in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) from September 24 to 30.

These PLAN ships were present in 10 out of the 13 features in the WPS that the Philippines occupies.

Specifically, five PLAN ships were sighted at Escoda Shoal, while others were seen at Ayungin Shoal, Pag-asa Island, Iroquois Reef, Bajo de Masinloc, Parola Island, Likas Island, Lawak Island, Panata Island, and Rizal Reef.

The Philippine Navy noted a decrease in the total number of Chinese vessels compared to the previous week, with 178 ships observed versus 251.

In addition to the PLAN ships, there were 28 China Coast Guard and 131 Chinese maritime militia vessels also observed.

Two Chinese research and survey vessels were also spotted in Bajo de Masinloc.

China's military stated it organized naval and air forces for reconnaissance and patrol exercises around Bajo de Masinloc, over which it claims sovereignty.

This activity coincided with a multilateral maritime cooperative activity in the WPS involving the Philippines, United States, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.