MANILA – The Philippine Navy reported an increase in the number of Chinese vessels spotted in West Philippine Sea (WPS) features over the past week compared to early January, a development that comes amid heightened tensions between Manila and Beijing.

Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the WPS, said that from January 18 to 25, a total of 55 Chinese vessels, including warships, were monitored in key areas:

• Bajo de Masinloc — 13 vessels (four People’s Liberation Army Navy [PLAN], four China Coast Guard [CCG], five Chinese maritime)
• Ayungin Shoal — five vessels (three CCG, two China Maritime Militia Vessels [CMMVs])
• Escoda Shoal — seven vessels (two CCG, five CMMVs)
• Pagasa Island — 30 vessels (one PLAN, one CCG, 28 CMMVs)

The figure shows an increase from the 41 Chinese vessels recorded during the first week of January.

The development comes amid criticism by the Chinese Embassy in Manila against certain Philippine officials, whom it accused of spreading disinformation against China. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has formally protested the embassy’s statements, citing “serious concerns with the escalation of public exchanges” between the embassy and Philippine legislators and government officials.

Malacañang has expressed support for Philippine officials targeted by Beijing for challenging China’s assertions in the West Philippine Sea. At least 15 senators have signed a proposed resolution denouncing the embassy’s recent statements.

Tensions remain high as China claims nearly the entire South China Sea, a vital route for more than $3 trillion in annual shipborne trade, including areas also claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.

The Philippine government refers to the areas within its territory as the West Philippine Sea, encompassing the Luzon Sea and waters within and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines, stating that China’s claims in the South China Sea had “no legal basis.” China has refused to recognize the ruling.