74 Chinese vessels monitored in WPS in June — AFP

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said it monitored 74 Chinese vessels near four key maritime features in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in June.

The figure was lower than the 82 Chinese vessels monitored from May 1 to 31.

AFP spokesperson for the WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said the monitored vessels included those from the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLA-N) and the China Coast Guard (CCG).

From June 1 to 30, the AFP recorded the following:

• Bajo de Masinloc – 41 vessels (16 PLA-N, 25 CCG)
• Ayungin Shoal – 16 vessels (4 PLA-N, 12 CCG)
• Escoda Shoal – 8 vessels (5 PLA-N, 3 CCG)
• Pag-asa Island – 9 vessels (4 PLA-N, 5 CCG)

"These figures underscore the conduct of ICAD activities that undermine the rules-based international order and violate the Philippines' sovereign rights and jurisdiction within its maritime domain," Trinidad said.

"Such actions contribute to regional tensions and highlight the importance of continued vigilance and adherence to international law," he added.

Meanwhile, Trinidad said the AFP monitored a total of 20,494 vessels in June, including 17,374 foreign vessels and 3,120 domestic vessels.

Of the total vessels monitored, 14,548 responded to radio challenges while 5,946 did not.

"Amid these developments, the Armed Forces of the Philippines remains steadfast in fulfilling its mandate to safeguard the nation's maritime interests," the AFP said.— MCG, GMA News