China leveled up its maritime presence in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), deploying more ships in 2024 than in previous years, the Philippine Navy reported on Tuesday.
According to its latest tally, Beijing sent a total of 251 vessels from the China Coast Guard (CCG), Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM), on top of the warships sent by the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) from September 17 to 23.
This surpassed the previous record of 203 ships from the combined forces of the CCG, PLAN, and CMM between September 3 to 9.
Escoda Shoal, where the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) previously deployed its BRP Teresa Magbanua, attracted 82 ships from China; 16 of which were courtesy of the CCG, 11 by PLAN and 55 from CMM. This is reportedly higher than the 65 Chinese vessels patroling the area last week.
Ayungin Shoal, meanwhile, saw 72 Chinese ships—including a research survey vessel—while Bajo de Masinloc had 12 vessels from Beijing. The Philippine Navy noted that the combined number of these Chinese vessels were the highest they recorded this year.
In a press briefing, Philippine Navy Spokesperson for WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said despite the overwhelming number of the Chinese ships in Philippine waters, the country maintains its freedom to navigate areas within its exclusive economic zone.
“The mere fact that the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines), continue performing our mandate to continue sailing the seas, fly in the skies—not only the AFP but also the other government agencies—it only indicates that nobody has control of that vast expanse of water,” Trinidad said.
