23 Chinese ships spotted in WPS; PH Navy patrols continue

A Philippine Navy official reported on Tuesday that 23 Chinese naval and coast guard ships were monitored in key areas of the West Philippine Sea from July 14 to 27, marking a resurgence after a brief lull due to severe weather.

Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad stated during a media briefing that seven China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels and seven People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ships were sighted near Bajo de Masinloc, with additional deployments including four CCG and two PLAN vessels in Ayungin Shoal, one PLA Navy ship in Sabina Shoal, and one CCG and one PLA Navy ship near Pag-asa Island.

On Thursday morning, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that three CCG vessels were seen at Bajo de Masinloc while three Chinese research ships were inside the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Commodore Jay Tarriela of the PCG confirmed the presence of these vessels and stated that the Philippines is committed to carrying out maritime law enforcement patrols in response.

The Chinese research ship Bei Diao 996 was last spotted 185 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales, while Zhu Hai Yun and Xiang Yang Hong 10 were seen 195 nautical miles off the coast of Rizal, Palawan. These vessels are suspected to be engaging in illegal marine scientific research.

The Philippines remains steadfast in protecting its national territory and sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea despite ongoing territorial disputes with China.