AFP monitors 27 Chinese ships at WPS

October 17 ------ At least 27 Chinese vessels were tracked roaming key features in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) between October 6 and October 12, the Armed Forces (AFP) reported.

Retired Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, AFP spokesperson for the WPS, told reporters that weekly maritime monitoring revealed a combination of China Coast Guard (CCG) and People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warships deployed across the strategic, flashpoint waters. The distribution of the monitored Chinese naval and coast guard assets includes:

- Bajo de Masinloc: 8 CCG and 4 PLAN vessels (12 total)

- Ayungin Shoal: 5 CCG and 4 PLAN vessels (9 total)

- Pag-asa Islands: 3 CCG and 2 PLAN vessels (5 total)

- Escoda Shoal: 1 PLAN vessel (1 total)

The West Philippine Sea encompasses maritime zones on the western side of the Philippine archipelago, including the Luzon Sea, the Kalayaan Island Group, and Bajo de Masinloc. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, the Netherlands invalidated Beijing’s expansive claims across the South China Sea, ruling that China had “no legal basis.” Beijing continues to reject the international tribunal’s decision.

Source: businessmirror.com.ph