Manila: The Philippine Navy (PN) has reported monitoring 20 Chinese coast guard and naval ships in four critical areas of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) during the first week of December, with significant activity observed around Bajo de Masinloc and Ayungin Shoal.

According to Philippines News Agency, during a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, PN spokesperson for the WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad disclosed that five Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels and two People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ships were identified in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc. Additionally, seven Chinese ships, comprising six CCG vessels and one PLAN ship, were monitored near Ayungin Shoal.

Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, is situated 124 nautical miles off Masinloc, Zambales, while Ayungin Shoal, or Second Thomas Shoal, is located 105 nautical miles west of Palawan. Both areas are within the Philippines' 200-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

In further updates, Trinidad mentioned the presence of two CCG and one PLAN vessel near Escoda Shoal, and one CCG and two PLAN ships near Pag-asa Island. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) also reported sighting 101 Chinese maritime vessels during a recent maritime awareness flight, a number deemed normal as it falls within the usual range of 300 to 350 ships.

Trinidad clarified that these vessels are part of the Chinese maritime militia, not the CCG and PLAN. China continues to assert claims over the entire South China Sea, including areas within the Philippine EEZ, despite a 2016 arbitral ruling invalidating its extensive claims.

In response to China's actions, which include laser-pointing, dangerous blocking maneuvers, and ramming of Philippine vessels, the Marcos administration has adopted a firmer stance. This includes expanding joint patrols, filing more diplomatic protests, and enhancing transparency by publicly releasing videos of Chinese maneuvers against Philippine ships.