Twenty-nine Chinese vessels passed through the vicinity of various areas in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in October, the Philippine Navy said Tuesday.
According to the Navy, the Armed Forces of the Philippines monitored 15 Chinese Coast Guard vessels and 14 People’s Liberation Army Navy vessels transiting or passing through the vicinity of the Bajo de Masinloc, Sabina Shoal, Julian Felipe Reef, and Iroquois Reef.
Philippine Navy spokesperson for the WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said the vessels were not stationary.
“Rest assured that your AFP remains vigilant, ready to address potential maritime challenges, and resolute in its mission to uphold maritime security and the rights of the Filipino people not only in the West Philippine Sea but the entire Philippines,” Trinidad said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the navy said a total of 13,874 vessels were monitored passing all over the country’s archipelago from October 1 to October 31.
Of the vessels, 11,097 were foreign and 2,777 were domestic.
“The AFP’s monitoring capabilities underscore our dedication to protecting national interests and securing our waters. These provide valuable data on vessel movements and reinforces our resolve to safeguard our sovereignty,” Trinidad said.
In 2016, an international arbitration tribunal 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 does not recognize the decision. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News
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