48 Chinese vessels spotted in WPS in past week

A total of 48 Chinese vessels, including warships, have been spotted in some West Philippine Sea (WPS) features in the past week, according to the Philippine Navy on Tuesday.

While this was lower compared to the previous report of 55 Chinese vessels, the Philippine Navy has not provided the numbers of Chinese maritime militia vessels in its current report.

Based on the data, the number of Chinese vessels in Bajo de Masinloc increased from 13 to 21 and in Ayungin Shoal from five to 12, as well as in Escoda Shoal from seven to eight.

In the past week until February 2, Philippine Navy spokesperson for WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said these Chinese vessels have been monitored in the WPS:

• Bajo de Masinloc — 21 (10 People's Liberation Army Navy, 11 China Coast Guard vessels)
• Ayungin Shoal — 12 (12 CCGs)
• Escoda Shoal – eight (three CCGs, five CCGs)
• Pagasa Island —  seven (two PLANs, five CCGs)

Tensions continue as Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual shipborne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.

Parts of the South China Sea that fall within Philippine territory have been renamed by the government as the West Philippine Sea to reinforce the country’s claim.

The West Philippine Sea refers to the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago including Luzon Sea and the waters around, within and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines over China's claims in the South China Sea, saying that it had "no legal basis."

China has refused to recognize the decision. —VAL, GMA Integrated News