MANILA – The Philippine Navy reported Tuesday that it had recorded a total of 207 Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea, marking a new record high for the year after a powerful storm passed through the region.
In a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, shared that while some Chinese ships left the area during the passage of Tropical Storm Enteng, they were quickly replaced by other vessels.
“No number is acceptable inasmuch as one ship within our EEZ is not acceptable,” Trinidad stated.
He further explained, “The numbers are within the range of the force projection capability of the South Sea Fleet, the Chinese Coast Guard, and the maritime militia. So long as these are the forces within theater and they don’t bring in other forces from the East Sea Fleet and the North Sea Fleet, then this is still within the normal range of their capability.”
Recent data from September 3 to 9 revealed the presence of 182 maritime militia vessels, 18 China Coast Guard (CCG) ships, 6 People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels, and 1 research and survey vessel in the area. This figure is slightly higher than the 203 Chinese ships observed from August 27 to September 2.
Most of the ships were clustered around Escoda Shoal, the site of recent Chinese hostilities, where they encircled the lone Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel, BRP Teresa Magbanua.
The Navy is also closely monitoring the situation at Rozul Reef (Iroquois Reef), where there has been a noticeable increase in Chinese ships—58 maritime militia vessels and one PLAN ship.
“We are still trying to assess why there is an increase in number in Iroquois or Rozul Reef. However, we could state that for Sabina or Escoda, it’s because of the extra attention that we have given to that particular shoal. For Iroquois or Rozul, we are still trying to assess,” Trinidad explained.
Trinidad also reassured that the BRP Teresa Magbanua remained fully operational, despite sustaining damage from a collision with a CCG vessel on August 31.
“The ship is still seaworthy. Whatever damage has been incurred will not compromise the overall integrity, water integrity of the ship. Hence, it is still there performing its mission,” he said.
The Philippine Navy and the Armed Forces of the Philippines are ready to support the PCG in maintaining a strong presence in Escoda Shoal.