MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported a significant increase in Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea, with 251 ships monitored between September 17 and 23, 2024, marking the highest count recorded this year.
This is a sharp rise from the 157 vessels recorded from September 10 to 16, 2024. The Chinese fleet consists of ships from the China Coast Guard (CCG), China People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), Chinese Maritime Militia (CMMV), and Chinese Research and Survey Vessels.
According to Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, the uptick in vessel numbers occurred after the recent tropical cyclones cleared the area.
“This time, ito ang pinakamalaking increase from 157 it went up to 251. Whatever reason, I don’t want to speculate on that, we continue monitoring, we continue performing our mandate,” Trinidad stated during a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo.
Notably, a significant rise in Chinese ships was observed at Sabina Shoal following the departure of the Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Teresa Magbanua, which had been stationed there for five months. Between September 10 and 16, 2024, the shoal was home to 9 CCG vessels, 4 PLAN vessels, and 52 CMMVs. By September 17 to 23, this had jumped to 16 CCG, 11 PLAN, and 55 CMMVs.
Similarly, at Ayungin Shoal, the number of CMMVs rose dramatically from 7 to 62 within the same period. Iroquois Reef also saw an increase, from 17 CMMVs to 38.
“This is the first time we have monitored that number at Sabina Shoal. We will not be deterred; we will keep performing our mandates and continue monitoring our shoals, reefs, and shallow areas,” Trinidad affirmed.
Despite the rise in Chinese vessel presence, Trinidad reassured that the numbers remain manageable within the AFP’s force projection capabilities. “If we noticed, the total number of maritime militia vessels in the entire South China Sea could be approximately 350 to 400, but these are dispersed all over the South China Sea, including the Vietnamese and Malaysian sides, etc. So, if they were to bring these to one particular country, then it is again within the force projection capability,” he explained.
Trinidad further emphasized that Filipinos still have access to key areas like Ayungin Shoal and Sabina Shoal. “The mere fact that the AFP, the Navy, the Air Force, and the Army can continue performing our mandate, sailing the seas, and flying in the skies—not only the AFP but also other government agencies—indicates that nobody has control over that vast expanse of water in the South China Sea,” he said.