The number of Chinese vessels monitored in parts of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) decreased to 27 in the past week, according to data released Tuesday by Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson for the WPS, retired Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad.
The figure was lower than the 35 Chinese vessels recorded in the previous monitoring report.
From May 12 to 18, China Coast Guard and People’s Liberation Army Navy vessels were monitored in several WPS features.
Ayungin Shoal recorded eight vessels, consisting of one PLAN ship and seven China Coast Guard vessels. Bajo de Masinloc had 14 vessels, including six PLAN and eight Coast Guard ships.
Escoda Shoal had one China Coast Guard vessel, while Pag-asa Islands recorded four vessels composed of two PLAN and two China Coast Guard ships. The West Philippine Sea refers to maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago, including the Luzon Sea and waters around the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc.
