Chinese ships in WPS increased to 190 —PH Navy

The number of Chinese vessels spotted in the West Philippine Sea has increased to 190 from 178 in the past week, the Philippine Navy said on Tuesday.

These Chinese vessels were seen in the WPS from September 30 to October 6, according to the Philippine Navy.

Of the total number of Chinese ships, 28 were People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels in Ayungin Shoal, Escoda Shoal (Sabina Shoal), and Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal).

“Emphasis is given to these three features as they are very important in protecting our [exclusive economic zone],” the Philippine Navy said.

“Their continued illegal presence in the WPS blatantly disregards the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling, violates our sovereignty and sovereign rights and highlights the need to modernize the defense and security capabilities of the AFP,” it added.

The Philippine Navy said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) maintains its commitment to upholding international law and defending the integrity of the country's territory.

Tension continues as Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual ship-borne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, 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 has not recognized the decision. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA Integrated News