NUMBER OF CHINESE VESSELS IN WEST PHILIPPINE SEA DECREASED

Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea have decreased based on the monitoring of Philippine Navy (Photo courtesy of Agence France-Presse/Inquirer)

According to the Philippine Navy, Chinese vessels monitored in various locations within the West Philippine Sea (WPS) has decreased to 157 from 207. From September 10 to 16 this year based on the agency’s data, there was a significant decrease in foreign ships.

Armed of the Philippines spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said that they recorded 123 Chinese maritime militia (CMM) vessels, 26 China Coast Guard (CCG) ships, seven People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warships, and one research survey vessel.

Compared to the 400 foreign ships monitored last year where 85 percent were from China, the data showed decrease. Out of the 157 vessels, 17 were spotted in Bajo de Masinloc, 17 in Ayungin Shoal, 32 in Pagasa Islands, four in Lawak Island, four in Panata Island, 65 in Sabina Shoal, and 17 in Iroquois Reef.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has pulled out the largest vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua from Escoda Shoal which will be replace by other vessels due to lack of supplies for the crew, questionable seaworthiness, and bad weather condition at the sea.

Following the pullout of Philippines’ coast guard ship, more than 60 Chinese vessels were observed loitering at the Escoda Shoal including 52 maritime militia vessels, five coast guard ships, and four People’s Liberation Army Navy ships according to Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad. 

“Presence is not only defined as physical presence. There are a range of different capabilities, sea-based, air-based, or space-based that we are developing with our partners and allies to monitor not only Escoda but the entire West Philippine Sea,” the official said. 

"Overall, in the West Philippine Sea, at this time of the year, this is the time when the waves are strong. Our ships are dictated by the weather conditions. We still perform our mandate. It's not the “patintero” that you're blocked, you can't get in.”

“This is not based on banning you from entering. In the first place, the presence of the CCG, the PLA Navy, and the maritime militia was in reaction to our increased attention given to Escoda Shoal,” he added.

Tensions remain between the two countries amid China's massive claim in the South China Sea (SCS), including the portion the Philippines refers to as the West Philippine Sea. Aside from the Philippines, China has overlapping claims in the area with Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. 

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer 

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