Chinese vessels in WPS decrease to 157

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.

From September 10 to 16, the Philippine Navy recorded 123 Chinese maritime militia vessels, 26 China Coast Guard vessels, seven People's Liberation Army Navy warships, and one research vessel.

Most of the Chinese ships were seen in Escoda Shoal, where six China Coast Guard ships, three People's Liberation Army Navy vessels, and 52 Chinese maritime militia vessels were spotted.

Chinese vessels were also observed near Bajo de Masinloc (six China Coast Guard ships, three People's Liberation Army Navy vessels, and eight Chinese maritime militia vessels), Ayungin Shoal (10 China Coast Guard ships and seven Chinese maritime militia vessels), Pagasa Islands (one China Coast Guard ship and 31 Chinese maritime militia vessels), Lawak Island (four Chinese maritime militia vessels), Panata Island (four Chinese maritime militia vessels), and Iroquois Reef (17 Chinese maritime militia vessels).

The Philippine Coast Guard's BRP Teresa Magbanua was pulled out of Escoda Shoal due to questionable seaworthiness, lack of supplies, and bad weather, and will be replaced by other vessels.