China doubles paramilitary ships at Scarborough Shoal

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said Tuesday that security challenges in the South China Sea are unlikely to diminish soon due to increased Chinese activities.

Año attributed these tensions to China's excessive territorial claims, militarization, and confrontations with neighboring countries during a speech at an online forum organized by Stratbase Institute and Stanford University's Sealight Project.

According to Sealight Project data, China doubled its paramilitary force presence around Scarborough Shoal in the past two years, increasing from 57 ships to 78 ships.

The Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources have expanded their presence at Scarborough Shoal but remain overwhelmed by the volume of Chinese vessels.

Año emphasized the Philippines' commitment to sovereign equality of states and amity with all nations despite complex geopolitical issues, stressing the importance of preserving the West Philippine Sea for national security and economic prosperity.

In response to China's aggressive actions, the Philippines is working on long-term policies and strengthening defense capabilities with allies.