The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported a significant increase in Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea, with 251 ships monitored between September 17 and 23, 2024—a record high for the year. This marks a jump from the 157 vessels recorded just a week earlier. The ships include those from the China Coast Guard, People’s Liberation Army Navy, Maritime Militia, and Chinese research vessels. Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad noted the increase coincided with improved weather after recent cyclones. A notable rise occurred at Sabina Shoal after the departure of BRP Teresa Magbanua, which had been stationed there for five months.
Between September 10 and 16, 2024, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) recorded an increase in Chinese vessels: 9 China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels, 4 People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ships, and 52 Chinese Maritime Militia Vessels (CMMVs). However, from September 17 to 23, these numbers rose to 16 CCG, 11 PLAN, and 55 CMMVs.
Chinese research vessel in Palawan
On April 21, 2024, Chinese Coast Guard ships were observed patrolling around Rozul Reef in Palawan. A Chinese marine research vessel, the Haiyang Dizhi 12 Hao, was also conducting survey activities nearby, according to defense and maritime security expert Ray Powell. He reported that the research ship was escorted by six militia vessels named Qiong Sansha Yu, signaling a possible message about China’s territorial claims in the area. Powell emphasized that conducting research in another country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) requires permission under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
These developments followed the recent withdrawal of the Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Teresa Magbanua from its five-month patrol at Escoda Shoal. The vessel, which had been under frequent harassment by Chinese ships, returned to Palawan for repairs after being repeatedly rammed by a Chinese Coast Guard vessel.
Filipinos can still access Ayungin Shoal and Sabina Shoal
Despite the rising number of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea, Filipinos can still access the Shoals of Ayungin and Sabina. Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad emphasized that the continued operations of the AFP, Navy, Air Force, Army, and other government agencies in the area demonstrate that no single entity has control over the vast waters of the South China Sea.
