83 Chinese vessels near Pag-asa Island amid sovereignty dispute

At least 83 Chinese militia and fishing vessels were observed near Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea on Wednesday, according to expert monitoring.

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela stated that the presence of these ships was due to bad weather conditions, with the number decreasing from around 90 to over 30 vessels.

The PCG and Armed Forces of the Philippines continue to challenge Chinese maritime militia entering Pag-asa's territorial waters, asserting Philippine sovereignty over the area.

Despite the reduction in vessel numbers, the Philippine Navy views the presence of Chinese maritime forces as a continuing threat to security in the West Philippine Sea.

In June, the Philippines officially requested the United Nations to extend its boundary farther into the disputed South China Sea based on Article 76 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.