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AFP Monitors 74 Chinese Ships In West Philippine Sea In June
Photo credit: PCG
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported that it monitored 74 Chinese naval and coast guard vessels in key areas of the West Philippine Sea throughout June, underscoring what it described as continued illegal and coercive activities within Philippine waters.
AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, said the ships were spotted around Bajo de Masinloc, Ayungin Shoal, Escoda Shoal, and Pag-asa Island.
According to the AFP, 41 vessels were monitored near Bajo de Masinloc, 16 around Ayungin Shoal, eight at Escoda Shoal, and nine near Pag-asa Island. The total included both People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and China Coast Guard (CCG) ships and was slightly lower than the 82 vessels recorded in May.
Trinidad said the presence of these ships reflects what the military calls "illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive" activities that undermine international law and violate the Philippines' sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea.
Despite the continued presence of foreign vessels, the AFP said it remains committed to protecting the country's maritime interests through sustained patrols, stronger maritime awareness, closer coordination with other government agencies, and continued capability development.
The military also reported monitoring a total of 20,494 domestic and foreign vessels in the country's areas of interest from June 1 to 30. Of these, 3,120 were domestic vessels and 17,374 were foreign ships. The AFP said 14,548 vessels responded to radio challenges, while 5,946 did not.
According to Trinidad, most of the monitored vessels were merchant ships and fishing boats. He added that constant monitoring and radio challenges remain essential in identifying vessels operating within Philippine waters and in strengthening the country's maritime security and sovereignty.
AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, said the ships were spotted around Bajo de Masinloc, Ayungin Shoal, Escoda Shoal, and Pag-asa Island.
According to the AFP, 41 vessels were monitored near Bajo de Masinloc, 16 around Ayungin Shoal, eight at Escoda Shoal, and nine near Pag-asa Island. The total included both People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and China Coast Guard (CCG) ships and was slightly lower than the 82 vessels recorded in May.
Trinidad said the presence of these ships reflects what the military calls "illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive" activities that undermine international law and violate the Philippines' sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea.
Despite the continued presence of foreign vessels, the AFP said it remains committed to protecting the country's maritime interests through sustained patrols, stronger maritime awareness, closer coordination with other government agencies, and continued capability development.
The military also reported monitoring a total of 20,494 domestic and foreign vessels in the country's areas of interest from June 1 to 30. Of these, 3,120 were domestic vessels and 17,374 were foreign ships. The AFP said 14,548 vessels responded to radio challenges, while 5,946 did not.
According to Trinidad, most of the monitored vessels were merchant ships and fishing boats. He added that constant monitoring and radio challenges remain essential in identifying vessels operating within Philippine waters and in strengthening the country's maritime security and sovereignty.
Jul 7, 2026
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