China using more law enforcement ships to encroach on WPS

MANILA, August 19 ------ China is using more law enforcement vessels to encroach on the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said.

Citing the latest semestral report, AFP spokesperson for the WPS, Navy reservist Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, said the Philippine Navy (PN) monitored 77 China Coast Guard (CCG) ships in the first six months of 2026, higher than the 68 reported in the same period last year. "(The) increase in CCG ships indicates an emphasis on law enforcement functions in the WPS," he said.

Earlier reports said the use of CCG vessels in such operations constitutes China's gray-zone tactics, defined as aggressive actions used short of actual war. "There was also an increase in the monitored number of different research and survey vessels (RSVs) from 33 to 44. This included unusual track patterns of 16 RSVs within our maritime zones and other areas of interest," Trinidad said.

He said these patterns are likely linked to marine scientific research or hydrographic surveys, indicating a focus on areas near the Kalayaan Island Group, the eastern seaboard of Luzon up to the Balintang and Bashi channels.

The same semestral report, meanwhile, showed a decline in the sighting of People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warships to 78 from 100 a year ago, and of China maritime militia vessels from 999 to 850. Trinidad said the AFP will continue to closely monitor developments and provide timely and accurate information in support of national security and regional stability. He said the AFP will continue to perform its mandate with professionalism, vigilance, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation's sovereignty, sovereign rights, and maritime interests.

Source: pna.gov.ph