Chinese vessels in West Philippine Sea reached over 100 in September 2026

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The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said a total of 101 Chinese vessels have been monitored in some West Philippine Sea (WPS) features in September 2026.

This was higher compared to the 56 Chinese ships seen in the disputed area in August 2026.

In an update, AFP spokesperson for the WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels were seen in WPS features from September 1 to 30:

• Ayungin Shoal – 14 CCGs, nine PLANs

• Bajo de Masinloc – 25 CCGs, 14 PLANs

• Escoda Shoal – seven CCGs, four PLANs

• Pag-asa Islands – 23 CCGs, five PLANs

Tensions continue as Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual shipborne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.

Parts of the South China Sea that fall within Philippine territory have been renamed by the government as West Philippine Sea to reinforce the country’s claim.

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."