19 Chinese vessels monitored in WPS; Beijing defends presence

The Philippine Navy reported on Tuesday that 19 Chinese vessels, including warships and coast guard ships, were monitored in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) throughout February.

Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad noted that nine China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels and two People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ships were observed near Bajo de Masinloc, while seven CCG ships and one PLAN vessel were spotted around Ayungin Shoal.

The Chinese Embassy did not respond to GMA News Online's inquiry by press time.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun defended the presence of Chinese vessels within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), asserting that China’s claims are based on historical rights and international law.

Guo stated that CCG conducts patrols in accordance with Chinese laws, which he claimed were justified.

Tensions remain high as Beijing continues to assert extensive claims over the South China Sea, overlapping with those of other nations including the Philippines.

The Philippine government has reaffirmed its sovereignty by designating portions of the South China Sea within its territorial jurisdiction as the West Philippine Sea and remains steadfast in upholding international law.