Amid an exchange of sharp tirades between Philippine and Chinese officials and spokespersons, the number of Chinese vessels spotted in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) has surged to 55 this week, the Philippine Navy said.

According to a report on Magandang Umaga Pilipinas (MUP) by RH Edniel Parrosa, from January 18 to 25, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) monitored vessels from China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA), China Coast Guard (CCG), and Chinese maritime militia operating in the vicinity of Pag-asa Island, Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), Escoda Shoal, and Ayungin Shoal.

The figure is more than double the usual average of 25 Chinese vessels typically spotted by the Philippine Navy in these areas.

AFP spokesperson for the WPS, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, reiterated that Beijing’s presence near Bajo de Masinloc remains illegal, as the feature lies within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

This statement comes despite recent reports of the CCG rescuing Filipino crew members from the capsized M/V Devon Bay, an incident that Trinidad said appeared to be used as propaganda by Beijing.

According to Trinidad, such actions do not erase China’s past coercive and aggressive behavior in the West Philippine Sea.