27 Chinese vessels monitored in West Philippine Sea in past 6 days

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At least 27 Chinese vessels were monitored in parts of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) from October 6 to October 12, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

According to spokesperson for the WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, their weekly monitoring of Chinese vessels revealed a mix of boats belonging to the Chinese Coast Guard (CCGV) and People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) across the flashpoint waters.

In Ayungin Shoal, there were five CCG and four PLAN vessels, while in Bajo de Masinloc, there were eight CCG and four PLAN boats roaming around.

Meanwhile, Escoda Shoal had one PLAN boat in its waters, while the Pag-asa Islands had three CCG boats and two PLAN vessels.

The West Philippine Sea refers to the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago, including the Luzon Sea and the waters around, within, 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 over China's claims in the South China Sea, saying that it had "no legal basis."