The Philippine Navy recently reported spotting 203 Chinese ships in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) between August 27 and September 2, the highest number recorded this year. This marks a significant increase from the 163 vessels observed between August 20 and 26.
Among the Chinese fleet, 71 vessels were sighted at Sabina (Escoda) Shoal, including 53 Chinese maritime militia vessels, nine China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels, and nine People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warships.
Despite being vastly outnumbered, the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) largest ship, BRP Teresa Magbanua, has been stationed at Sabina Shoal since April to guard against the Chinese fleet.
In addition to the fleet at Sabina Shoal, 52 Chinese ships were observed near Pagasa Island, 36 around Iroquois Reef, and 26 near Ayungin Shoal. Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) saw 16 Chinese vessels, and Kota Island and Rizal Reef reported sightings of a Chinese maritime militia vessel and a Chinese research survey vessel, respectively.
Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Navy’s spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, confirmed that this recent surge is unprecedented.
“This is the highest we have recorded in the vicinity of our nine occupied features in WPS for this year. While it is not normal, it is within the range of the capability they could project in the South China Sea,” Trinidad said.
“Nevertheless, the increase in numbers will not justify their illegal presence, their coercive and aggressive actions, and their deceptive narratives,” he added.
Trinidad said the military remains steadfast in fulfilling its duty to protect the nation’s territory and uphold international law.
Following the August 25 water cannon attack by CCG vessels on a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessel, the Chinese blocked Philippine Navy ships BRP Cabra and BRP Cape Engaño from resupplying the BRP Teresa Magbanua, leading the military to resort to helicopters for supply drops.
According to Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for West Philippine Sea, the PCG had not faced difficulties supplying BRP Teresa Magbanua before such incidents. The ship has been stationed at Escoda Shoal since April 16 amid concerns over potential Chinese reclamation activities.
Meanwhile, SeaLight’s director Ray Powell said in his X account that several Chinese maritime militia vessels retreated to China due to Tropical Storm Enteng (international name Yagi), which has already claimed 15 lives. SeaLight is a maritime transparency initiative of the Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation at Stanford University.
The storm hit the West Philippine Sea on September 4 morning but continues to enhance the southwest monsoon, according to state meteorologists.
The increased presence of Chinese ships comes as Beijing continues to assert sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea, including much of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, despite the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s claim.
The ruling followed Manila’s 2013 case after a standoff with Beijing at Panatag Shoal. Despite the 2016 international arbitration tribunal ruling in favor of the Philippines, China has not recognized the decision.
On Aug. 31, a China Coast Guard vessel repeatedly rammed into the Philippine patrol ship BRP Teresa Magbanua during a tense encounter in the South China Sea.
Military steps up patrols
The Armed Forces of the Philippines has stepped up air and naval patrols in Escoda Shoal to support the PCG’s ship BRP Teresa Magbanua, which was rammed by Chinese vessels on August 31, damaging its hull. Fortunately, no crew members were injured.
But Trinidad emphasized that the heightened patrols are in response to reports of piled-up crushed corals and clarified that no additional assets are being deployed.
“We want to ensure that the reports are not related to man-made activities,” Trinidad clarified.
Trinidad emphasized that the presence of the BRP Teresa Magbanua is not part of a contest of naval assets, saying, “She’s alone. We’re watching over the area because of reports on piled-up crushed corals. We want to make sure it’s not man-made, so that’s why we’re there.”
On September 1, three CCG vessels, two naval ships, 47 maritime militia, and additional hospital and research vessels were seen around Escoda Shoal.
Despite the escalating tension, the Philippines’ Navy and Air Force remain committed to protecting the country’s maritime interests in the region.
Philippines files note verbale against China
The Philippines has filed its 43rd diplomatic protest against China over the recent ramming incident in the West Philippine Sea, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs. This followed a previous protest related to Beijing’s air force actions in Bajo de Masinloc.
Tensions between the Philippines and China persist due to overlapping claims in the South China Sea, a crucial maritime route for global commerce.
All photos credit: Philippine Coast Guard/Commodore Jay Tarriela’s X account
Top photo: Philippine ship surrounded by Chinese ships.
