260 China ships spotted in WPS in February -PH Navy

The Philippine Navy reported on Tuesday that 260 Chinese vessels, including warships, were monitored in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) throughout February.

Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, the Philippine Navy spokesperson for the WPS, stated in a press briefing that the sightings included nine China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels near Bajo de Masinloc and seven more at Ayungin Shoal. Additionally, two People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ships were detected in these areas.

“For the month of February, a total of 260 different ships were monitored all over the WPS, especially our features,” Trinidad said in a press briefing.

GMA News Online reached out to the Chinese Embassy in Manila for comment but has yet to receive a response as of posting time.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun defended the presence of Chinese vessels within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), stating that China's sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea are rooted in historical claims and international law.

"Let me reiterate that China’s sovereignty and rights and interests in the South China Sea were established in the long course of history and are solidly grounded in history and law, compliant with international law and practice," Guo said.

He further asserted that the CCG conducts patrols and law enforcement operations in the area in accordance with Chinese law, claiming these actions are "fully justified."

"We call on the Philippines once again to immediately stop all infringement activities, provocations, and false accusations, and cease all actions that jeopardize peace and stability or complicate the situation in the South China Sea," he added.

Tensions persist as Beijing asserts claims over nearly the entire South China Sea, a crucial maritime route for over $3 trillion in annual shipborne trade. These claims overlap with those of the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.

The Philippine government has designated portions of the South China Sea within its territorial jurisdiction as the West Philippine Sea to affirm its sovereignty. This area includes the Luzon Sea, as well as waters surrounding and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines, declaring that China's extensive claims in the South China Sea had "no legal basis." However, China has refused to recognize the ruling. — DVM, GMA Integrated News