30 Chinese ships spotted in WPS in early March — PH Navy

The Philippine Navy on Tuesday said 30 Chinese ships were spotted near some features in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in early March.

According to the Navy, Chinese ships were seen from March 1 to March 8 in the following areas:

• Bajo de Masinloc - 11 Chinese vessels (four People's Liberation Army Navy vessels, seven China Coast Guard vessels)
• Ayungin Shoal - eight vessels (one PLAN, seven CCGs)
• Escoda Shoal - seven vessels (three PLANs, four CCGs)
• Pagasa Island - four vessels (one PLAN, three CCGs)

This is lower than the 34 Chinese vessels monitored in WPS features from February 22 to March 1.

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 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. — Joahna Lei Casilao/RSJ, GMA Integrated News