Quezon city: Forty-nine Chinese warships and coast guard vessels were spotted in three West Philippine Sea (WPS) features in June, a ranking Philippine Navy (PN) official said Tuesday. In a media briefing held in Camp Aguinaldo, PN spokesperson for the WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad reported the presence of these Chinese vessels from June 1 to 30.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Chinese vessels were identified at various strategic features: Bajo de Masinloc witnessed nine China Coast Guard vessels (CCGV) and 14 People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warships. Ayungin Shoal saw 12 CCGVs and two PLAN ships, while Pag-asa Island had nine CCGVs and 19 PLAN vessels observed. Trinidad highlighted that these vessels were frequently moving in and out of different WPS features.

In a separate statement, Rear Admiral Trinidad noted that an average of 29 CCGV and PLAN vessels have been observed monthly in the WPS. The figure of 49 vessels in June marked the highest number recorded so far this year. Despite these figures, Trinidad assured that the Philippine Navy remains vigilant and maintains a strong presence in its maritime domain.

Trinidad also emphasized that vessel monitoring operations have consistently recorded maritime activity throughout the country's exclusive economic zone during the first half of the year. He mentioned that over 15,000 domestic and foreign vessels were tracked each month, underscoring the strategic and economic significance of these waters.

Reassuring the public, Trinidad stated that the Philippine Navy remains steadfast in its efforts to safeguard the nation's interests and continues to ensure the security of its maritime territories.