122 Chinese vessels in WPS, including research ship near Escoda Shoal

The number of Chinese vessels monitored in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) increased to 122 as of Tuesday, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), marking an increase from last week's count of 104.

Col. Francel Margareth Padilla reported that the total includes 106 Chinese maritime militia vessels, 12 China Coast Guard ships, and three People's Liberation Army Navy ships, with Pag-asa Islands hosting one CCG ship and 37 CMMs while Escoda Shoal has seen a Chinese research vessel conducting activities since July 25.

Philippine authorities have noted irregular Automatic Identification System (AIS) transmissions from the Chinese research vessel Ke Xue San Hao near Escoda Shoal, raising concerns about its activities, with the Philippine Coast Guard's BRP Teresa Magbanua continuing to monitor China’s reclamation activities and ensure compliance with international rulings.

Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad of the Philippine Navy stated that while the AFP challenges all foreign vessels, enforcing maritime law is left up to the Philippine Coast Guard, emphasizing adherence to International Humanitarian Law in patrols.

China's presence in the WPS has been described as illegal and sometimes coercive by Rear Admiral Trinidad, reflecting escalating confrontations between Chinese and Philippine ships over Beijing’s efforts to assert its claims, with China carrying out a combat patrol near Scarborough Shoal on Wednesday.