AFP: 36 Chinese coast guard, naval ships monitored in WPS in past week

MANILA, May 27 ------ The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported an increase in the number of Chinese vessels monitored in the West Philippine Sea over the past week compared to the second week of May.

A total of 36 Chinese navy and coast guard vessels in key maritime features were observed from May 19 to 25, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad (Reserve), AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said. Nineteen Chinese vessels were recorded in Bajo de Masinloc, including 10 People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA-N) warships and nine China Coast Guard (CCG) ships. “Their presence in Bajo de Masinloc is to normalize their situation as much as they have already declared a nature reserve. These are all illegal statements and false narratives we have been pushing back against,” Trinidad told reporters in a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Ayungin Shoal saw the presence of nine Chinese vessels, including eight CCG ships and one PLA-N vessel, while five vessels—three CCG and two PLA-N ships—were monitored in Escoda Shoal. Three Chinese vessels were observed in the vicinity of Pag-asa Island, including one CCG ship and two PLA-N warships. “We do not speculate on their presence—why they are there. What is important [to note] is that their presence is still illegal,” Trinidad said. “Rest assured, the AFP will continue monitoring the situation and performing our actions in patrolling the seas and flying the skies,” he added.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com