251 Chinese vessels in WPS, up from 157 last week

The Philippine Navy reported a record-high number of 251 Chinese ships in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) as of Tuesday, up from 157 recorded by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) from September 10 to 16.

From September 17 to 23, the navy observed 204 Chinese Maritime Militia Vessels (CMMVs), 28 China Coast Guard ships, and 16 People's Liberation Army Navy warships, with a notable increase at Sabina Shoal following the departure of BRP Teresa Magbanua from Escoda Shoal.

The number of CMMVs rose sharply to 62 in Ayungin Shoal and 38 in Iroquois Reef, indicating heightened activity in these areas.

Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad attributed the spike in Chinese presence to better weather conditions, noting that ship numbers decrease during weather disturbances before rising again when conditions improve.

China's continued presence in the WPS remains closely monitored by the Philippines amid ongoing territorial disputes and overlapping claims with other nations.