PH Navy: 71 of 203 Chinese ships in WPS seen in Sabina Shoal

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 3, 2024): PH Navy: 71 of 203 Chinese ships in WPS seen in Sabina Shoal (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Facade of the Philippine Navy headquarters at Naval Station Jose Andrada in Manila (File photo)

MANILA – A total of 203 Chinese ships were spotted in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) from Aug. 27 to Sept. 2, the Philippine Navy (PN) said Tuesday.

This is significantly higher than the 163 vessels observed from Aug. 20 to 26, the PN said.

Of the figure, 71 were spotted in the Sabina (Escoda) Shoal, composed of 53 Chinese Maritime Militia Vessels (CMMVs), nine China Coast Guard Vessels (CCGVs), and nine People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warships.

Standing guard against this big Chinese fleet in the Sabina Shoal is the Philippine Coast Guard's (PCG) largest ship BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701).

On Aug. 31, a CCG vessel repeatedly rammed into the BRP Teresa Magbanua.

The PCG ship, which has been in Sabina Shoal since April, sustained damage to its hull but no one among its crew was injured in the incident.

Meanwhile, 52 Chinese ships were spotted near Pagasa Island – 50 CMMV, one CCGV, and one PLAN vessel.

About 36 CMMVs were spotted around Iroquois Reef while 26 assorted Chinese vessels were seen in Ayungin Shoal – 17 CMMVs, eight CCGVs, and one PLAN warship.

In Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), 16 Chinese vessels were seen – eight CMMVs, six CCGVs, one PLAN vessel, and a Chinese Research Survey Vessel (CRSV).

Another CMMV was sighted in Kota Island while one CRSV was spotted near the Rizal Reef.

Highest for this year

Meanwhile, PN spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said this latest sighting of Chinese vessels in the WPS is the highest ever recorded for the year.

"This is the highest we have recorded in the vicinity of our nine occupied features in WPS for this year. While it is not normal, it is within the range of the capability they could project in the SCS (South China Sea)/WPS. We can attribute the surge to the attention given to Sabina/Escoda Shoal in the last few weeks. Nevertheless, the increase in numbers will not justify their illegal presence, their coercive and aggressive actions and their deceptive narratives," he added.

Trinidad also said that the PN and the Armed Forces of the Philippines will continue to perform their mandate to protect the country's territory, uphold international law and contribute to regional peace and stability.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1232488