AFP: 35 Chinese vessels spotted in West Philippine Sea in past week

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Tuesday a total of 35 Chinese vessels have been monitored in some West Philippine Sea (WPS) features in the past week.

In an update, AFP spokesperson for the WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels were seen in WPS features from May 4 to 11:

• Ayungin Shoal – seven vessels (one PLANs, six CCGs)
• Bajo de Masinloc – 17 vessels (eight PLANs, nine CCGs)
• Escoda Shoal – five vessels (three PLANs, two CCGs)
• Pag-asa Islands – six vessels (three PLANs, three CCGs)

In April, a total of 62 Chinese vessels were spotted in these areas.

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. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA News