AFP reports increased number of Chinese maritime militia vessels in WPS

The number of Chinese maritime militia (CMM) vessels has increased in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Tuesday.

According to the AFP, Chinese maritime militia vessels in the WPS increased to 78 from 76 while the number of China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels remained at 13.

Meanwhile, the APF noted a decrease in Chinese warships from six People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels from June 25 to July 1 to now just three from July 2 to 8.

The following is a breakdown of the Chinese vessels seen in the WPS: 

Bajo de Masinloc - 4 CCG vessels, 10 CMM vessels

Ayungin Shoal - 6 CCG vessels, 2 PLAN vessels, 26 CMM vessels

Pagasa Island - 1 CCG vessel, 22 CMM vessels

Kota Island - 1 CMM vessels

Panata Island - 16 CMM vessels 

Patag Island - 1 CCG vessel, three CMM vessels

Sabina Shoal - 1 CCG vessel 

Iroquois Reef - 1 PLAN vessel 

On July 2, the Philippines and China in a bilateral meeting in Manila sought to de-escalate and manage disputes in the WPS.

Tensions in the WPS continue amid China’s massive claim in the South China Sea (SCS) including the portion the Philippines refers to as the West Philippine Sea (WPS). 

The South China Sea is a conduit for more than $3 trillion in annual ship commerce. 

Aside from the Philippines, China has overlapping claims in the area with Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei.

In 2016, an international arbitration tribunal in 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. —GMA Integrated News