Chinese vessels increase presence in West Philippine Sea in June, says PH Navy

The Philippine Navy reported an increase in the number of Chinese vessels monitored over some features in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in June. Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad stated that a total of 49 Chinese vessels were observed in Bajo de Masinloc, Ayungin Shoal, and Pagasa Island. The breakdown included nine CCG vessels and 14 PLAN vessels in Bajo de Masinloc, 12 CCG vessels and two PLAN vessels in Ayungin Shoal, and nine CCG vessels and three PLAN Navy vessels in Pagasa Island. Trinidad mentioned that these vessels were not consistently present but moved in and out of the different areas.

June marked the highest number of Chinese vessels in the WPS, with 49 ships compared to previous months: 11 in January, nine in February, 35 in March, 31 in April, and 41 in May. Trinidad attributed the increase to factors like weather or deployment cycles. He emphasized that the Philippine Navy remains vigilant and committed to asserting the nation's rights and ensuring peace and stability in the region.

Tensions persist as Beijing asserts claims over most of the South China Sea, which is vital for global commerce. The West Philippine Sea, encompassing areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago, holds strategic importance for the country. Despite a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration favoring the Philippines over China's claims in the South China Sea, China has not accepted the decision.

According to the source: GMA Network.