THE Philippine Navy (PN) on Tuesday said the presence of Chinese ships remains “an existential threat” in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) after it reported the successful conduct of 54 patrol missions this month as part of efforts to assert Philippine sovereignty in the region.
“We have monitored them. We are tracking them. They are an existential threat,” said Navy spokesman for the WPS, Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, referring to Chinese maritime militia, People’s Liberation Army Navy and China Coast Guard ships.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), in a statement Tuesday, said the successful missions highlight its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests.
Navy spokesman for the WPS, Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO
Naval assets conducted three sealift missions, 13 maritime and sovereignty patrols, one maritime surveillance patrol, one search and rescue operation, and one rotation and resupply mission.
“Meanwhile, our naval and air force aircraft executed four maritime air surveillance or intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (MAS/ISR) operations, along with 30 maritime patrols and one search and rescue operation,” the AFP said.
It added these patrols strengthen its commitment to protect the WPS, while ensuring seamless support for operations like maritime domain awareness, search and rescue operations, and resupply missions.
“The AFP stands resolute in its mandate to uphold territorial integrity, maritime sovereignty, and regional stability while serving and protecting the interests of all Filipinos,” the military said.
After a spate of incidents, the Chinese have not initiated any aggressive moves against Philippine vessels conducting maritime patrols and resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal since October.
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.
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