The Philippine Navy said that it continues to closely monitor at least 48 Chinese maritime vessels operating across four key areas of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) last week, according to a report on Magandang Umaga Pilipinas (MUP) by RH Edniel Parrosa.

Although the figure marks a slight decrease from the 55 Chinese vessels recorded in the past week, the AFP noted that the current number remains nearly double the previous monthly average of around 25 Chinese vessels.

According to military monitoring data, ships from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and the China Coast Guard (CCG) were detected in several key areas, including Pag-asa Island, Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), Escoda Shoal, and Ayungin Shoal, up to February 2.

AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, earlier said that increasing integration among Beijing’s maritime forces is evident, with its effects being felt deep within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Meanwhile, the Philippine military emphasized the country’s improving capability to detect and track foreign maritime activity, pointing to the documented passage of 16,670 foreign vessels through various Philippine waters in January alone this year.