The Philippine Navy stated this week that the presence of Chinese vessels continues to pose a significant threat in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) following 54 operations conducted in the area this November.
Philippine Navy highlights Persistent Threat from Chinese Vessels in West Philippine Sea
At a press conference on the West Philippine Sea, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, the Philippine Navy spokesman for the area, was asked how the Chinese action has affected the military’s operational activities.
Rear Admiral Trinidad noted that ‘the maritime militia, the People’s Liberation Army Navy and the Chinese Coast Guard, which has been deployed in the area for a long time, pose an ongoing threat.’
He added: ‘We are monitoring and tracking them. Their very existence remains a threat,’ he stressed.
Ongoing Defense Operations
Despite these threats, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is steadily carrying out operations to protect its sovereignty and interests in the West Philippine Sea: According to AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margares Padilla, between 1 and 25 November, the Philippine Navy and Air Force conducted 54 ‘successful’ patrol missions.
‘These missions included three maritime transports, 13 sovereignty patrols (MARPAT/SOVPAT), one maritime surveillance patrol (MARSUVPAT), one search and rescue operation and one changeover and supply to naval vessels,’ Col Padilla said.
As for the air force’s activities, he explained, ‘We have conducted four operations as maritime air surveillance and intelligence-gathering operations and completed another 30 maritime patrols and one search and rescue operation.’
Increased Activities and New Initiatives
Last month, the Philippine Navy reported a ‘dramatic increase’ in military operations in the West Philippine Sea.
Defense Secretary Teodoro emphasized the significance of protecting sovereignty. He stated, “We are developing our capabilities to safeguard our national territory and the entire Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to ensure that the resources within it are accessible to our people and future generations.”
Background to Tensions
China asserts its territorial rights over nearly the entire South China Sea, a vital waterway for more than $3 trillion in trade that passes through each year. This assertion overlaps with claims from ASEAN nations, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei, leading to ongoing regional tensions.
In 2016, the International Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines, declaring that China’s claims in the South China Sea had ‘no legal basis’. However, China has refused to recognize this ruling and continues to assert its territorial claims.
The Philippine Armed Forces continue to intensify their operations to maintain sovereignty and ensure stability in the region in the face of China’s threats.
