AFP, PCG: More Chinese Coast Guard, research vessels seen in WPS in 2026

The number of Chinese Coast Guard vessels and research and survey ships monitored in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) increased during the first semester of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Monday.

AFP spokesperson for the WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad and PCG spokesperson for the WPS Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela made the disclosure during a joint press conference.

“What has increased is the number of Coast Guard vessels for the first sem of 2026 compared to the first sem of 2025. Also, there has been a noted surge in the presence of research vessels from the [People’s Liberation Army Navy] up north,” Trinidad said.

However, Trinidad said there had been a decrease in the number of maritime militia vessels and People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels.

More information on the matter will be released on Tuesday, he added.

Tarriela said the increase in the number of Chinese research ships was also a concern for other countries.

“The increase of Chinese research vessels here in the Philippines is not only exclusive to us. This is something that is also very concerning for Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and of course even in Taiwan,” he said.

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

The Philippine government refers to parts of the South China Sea within the country's maritime domain as the West Philippine Sea to reinforce its claims.

According to Republic Act No. 12064 or the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, the West Philippine Sea refers to the maritime zones of the Philippines on the western side of the Philippine archipelago, including the Luzon Sea, the territorial seas of Bajo de Masinloc in Zambales, and the maritime features of the Kalayaan Island Group in Palawan.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines in its case against China's claims in the South China Sea, saying China's expansive claims had “no legal basis.”

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