Philippine Navy detects 260 Chinese vessels in WPS in February

The Philippine Navy detected 260 assorted Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) during February.

Among these, nine China Coast Guard (CCG) ships and two People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels were monitored near Bajo de Masinloc, while seven CCG ships and another PLAN vessel were spotted near Ayungin Shoal.

Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, the Philippine Navy spokesperson for the WPS, confirmed the total number of monitored ships.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla stated that the presence of these Chinese ships disregards the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling and infringes upon Philippine sovereignty.

Padilla also disclosed that the vessels included 19 ships operated by the People's Liberation Army Navy and the China Coast Guard (CCG) in key areas, including Ayungin Shoal, Sabina Shoal, Escoda Shoal, and Bajo de Masinloc.

China, in defense of its maritime activities, reiterated its claim over the South China Sea, asserting its sovereignty and maritime rights.

The AFP remains committed to upholding international law and defending Philippine territory.

Trinidad also refuted claims on Chinese social media that Palawan was historically part of China.