Biel Jose Catipon

Despite the increase in the Chinese vessels swarming the West Philippine Sea (WPS) which climbed to record-high 251, the Philippine government has not received any reports of harassment of Filipino fishermen.

Photo Courtesy of Philippine STAR/GMA Network.


From September 17 to 23, 204 Chinese maritime militia vessels (MMVs), 28 China Coast Guard (CCG) ships, 16 People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warships, and three research vessels were spotted in various areas of the WPS.

Compared from the previous week, this is an increase in China’s deployment of 157 vessels from September 10 to 16.

The Philippine Navy Spokesperson for WPS, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad brought up this Chinese vessel-rise during a press briefing on Tuesday, September 24.

“This time, ito ang pinakamalaking increase. From 157, it went down a bit, then it went up to 251,” Trinidad cited. 
 
 “For whatever reason, I don't want to speculate on that. We continue monitoring. We continue performing our mandate,” he added. 

Trinidad also pointed out the increase is due to the subsiding of storms in the area.

Ayungin Shoal and Escoda Shoal were the locations where most of these ships were sighted.

With BRP Sierra Madre of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reinforcing the country’s claim on Ayungin Shoal, there were nine CCGs, 62 MMVs, and one research vessel.

This surge of Chinese vessels in the shoal came after two months of the provisional agreement signed by the Philippines and China. 

This is the first formal measure that both countries agreed upon to reduce the tensions in Ayungin Shoal and for the resupply of daily necessities and rotation missions of the BRP Sierra Madre in the area.

Trinidad also guaranteed the families of soldiers stationed at BRP Sierra Madre that their loved ones are well despite the increased presence of Chinese vessels, as the “soldiers’ morale is high.”

"It's the first time we have monitored that number [of Chinese warships] close to Sabina (Escoda) Shoal," Trinidad added.

After the departure of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) flagship vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua from the Sabina Shoal due to the need of medical evacuation of the personnel and bad weather, Chinese ships crowded  the shoal climbing at 82, with 16 CCGs, 11 PLANs, and 55 MMVs.

"Those numbers are not sufficient to cover the entire expanse of the West Philippine Sea,” Trinidad said. “We're doing everything to ensure our fishermen can continue performing their livelihood.”

The Philippine Navy is not surprised with the increase in the number of Chinese vessels, as it is still within China’s force projection capability in the contested waters.

"The numbers could swing from one particular shoal to another. They could surge the number of ships to a particular shoal. We don't care. What is important is we still have the freedom of action to continue performing our mandate," the Navy spokesperson said.

These continuous encounters between Chinese and Philippine vessels are seen as Beijing's way of asserting its rights over the disputed waters.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favor of the Philippines, concluding that there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources within the sea areas.