The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported monitoring 35 Chinese vessels in crucial areas of the West Philippine Sea from May 4 to 11.
Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, AFP spokesperson for the region, stated that the ships were mainly situated around Panatag Shoal, Ayungin Shoal, Escoda Shoal, and Pag-asa Island.
Most notably, Panatag Shoal had 17 vessels, including nine from the China Coast Guard and eight People's Liberation Army Navy warships. This location is approximately 220 kilometers from Luzon, firmly within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.
Panatag Shoal has remained under Chinese control since a standoff with the Philippine Navy in 2012.
AFP
In Ayungin Shoal, seven vessels were recorded, comprising one PLAN ship and six CCG vessels. This feature lies 194 kilometers off the coast of Palawan.
Escoda Shoal had five vessels, including three PLAN ships and two CCG vessels, located about 195 kilometers west of Palawan.
Around Pag-asa Island, six vessels were detected, consisting of one PLAN ship and five CCG ships. Pag-asa is situated approximately 528 kilometers from Palawan.
China claims extensive rights over the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea, despite a 2016 ruling by an international tribunal that invalidated its claims. The AFP continues to monitor these developments closely as tensions in the area persist.
The AFP has been actively monitoring the situation, as highlighted in their report, "AFP Monitors 35 Chinese Ships in West Philippine Sea Amid Tensions."