The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported monitoring 48 Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea during July, signaling ongoing tensions in the region. This figure marks a decline from the 74 vessels observed in June.
Details of the Monitoring Efforts
According to AFP spokesperson Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad (Reserve), the monitored vessels included 40 from the China Coast Guard and eight from the People's Liberation Army Navy. The monitoring took place around key areas such as Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal and Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal.
The largest presence was noted at Panatag, where the AFP tracked 19 CCG ships and three PLA-N warships. This area has a history of disputes, particularly following the 2012 standoff between Philippine and Chinese vessels.
Monitoring around Ayungin Shoal included 13 CCG vessels and one PLA-N warship, while Pag-asa (Thitu) Island had five CCG ships and three PLA-N warships. Escoda (Sabina) Shoal saw three CCG vessels and one PLA-N ship.
These figures underscore the continued conduct of illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive activities that undermine the rules-based international order.
Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, AFP Spokesperson
Despite the reduction in monitored vessels, Trinidad emphasized that the AFP remains vigilant in protecting the Philippines' maritime interests. The Navy also tracked over 20,000 vessels in July, including a significant number of foreign ships.
China claims nearly all of the South China Sea, including areas within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ). This has led to ongoing regional tensions and highlighted the importance of adherence to international law.