Over 100 Chinese vessels, including PLA Navy ships, spotted in West Philippine Sea

Over 100 Chinese vessels, including two People's Liberation Army Navy ships, have been monitored in the West Philippine Sea by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) since August 13.

Col. Francel Margareth Padilla reported that a total of 129 ships were spotted in Philippine waters from August 13 to 19, with 18 coast guard, 13 navy, and 98 maritime militia ships identified.

Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad emphasized that while the number has increased compared to recent weeks, it remains within what he considers an 'acceptable' range observed over the past two to three months.

Trinidad noted that Chinese vessels were seen in various features of the West Philippine Sea, including Ayungin Shoal where 45 CCG and CMMV ships were spotted.

The Philippines continues to assert its maritime rights based on the 2016 arbitral ruling while engaging security partners like the United States to support its claims.

Despite tensions, the National Maritime Council reaffirmed the government's commitment to a diplomatic approach for resolving disputes in the West Philippine Sea.