MANILA – The Philippine Navy’s latest report shows a reduction in Chinese vessels across various West Philippine Sea (WPS) areas.
From June 25 to July 1, a total of 95 Chinese ships were spotted, down from 129 in the previous week.
The breakdown includes 13 China Coast Guard Vessels (CCGVs), six People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ships, and 76 Chinese maritime militia vessels (CMMVs). Notably, the number of PLAN vessels increased by one since June 24.
Specific sightings were detailed:
Bajo de Masinloc: 5 CCGVs, 1 PLAN vessel, 8 CMMVs
Ayungin Shoal: 5 CCGVs, 2 PLAN vessels, 13 CMMVs
Pagasa Island: 1 CCGV, 1 PLAN vessel, 20 CMMVs
Parola: 1 CMMV
Panata: 1 PLAN vessel, 7 CMMVs
Sabina Shoal: 2 CCGVs, 1 PLAN vessel, 3 CMMVs
Juan Felipe Reef: 20 CMMVs
Recto Bank: 4 CCMVs
Additionally, Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad confirmed that the Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong was monitored approximately 200 nautical miles from Luzon, within the Philippine exclusive economic zone.
Trinidad noted that such passages are permitted under international law’s freedom of navigation principles.
(el Amigo/mnm)
