The Philippine Navy continues to monitor the presence of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea, including warships and research and survey ships.
Recent data reveals that approximately 178 Chinese vessels were spotted in Philippine waters, with 17 ships from the People’s Liberation Army Navy stationed across various maritime features in the area, alongside two research and survey vessels near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) from September 24 to 30.
Additionally, the presence of 28 Chinese Coast Guard vessels and 131 Chinese maritime militia ships was noted in the region.
China has announced the organization of its naval and aerial forces to conduct regular reconnaissance, early warning operations, and training exercises in sea and air patrols around Bajo de Masinloc, which China claims as its territory.
This military activity coincides with the Philippines’ fourth Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) involving the United States, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand within the country’s exclusive economic zone.