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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Philippine Navy monitors increase in Chinese vessels in WPS amid ongoing Balikatan exercises

Philippine Navy monitors increase in Chinese vessels in WPS amid ongoing Balikatan exercises

Published Apr 23, 2024 10:30 am

The Philippine Navy noticed an increase in the number of Chinese ships in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) amid the ongoing military exercises between Filipino and American troops that are also observed by representatives from 14 other countries.

But Navy spokesman for West Philippine Sea Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad expressed belief that China will not intervene in the ongoing Balikatan exercises, which started on April 22 and will end on May 10.

“Because it is an activity between the US and the Philippines. Historically the illegal, unprovoked, uncalled for actions of China will only be to the Philippines,” said Trinidad when asked why he believes there will be no intervention from China at the span of the current biggest war games.

Citing observations in the past two weeks, Trinidad said that from an average of 60 Chinese vessels in the past two months, the number increased to over 120 only for this week, especially in Bajo de Masinloc and Pagasa Island.

“There is no significant increase in the People’s Liberation Army Navy or the Coast Guard, however, there was a surge in the maritime militia. from the previous two weeks—69, 50 to 110 for this week— so there has been a surge in the presence of the maritime militia,” said Trinidad.

“Our monitoring for the past two months, for March and April has given us a fairly constant, from a low of 33 to a high of 69, average around 60 various vessels of China. It's only for this week that we have seen a surge of up to, a total 124, three PLA Navy, 11 Coast Guard and 110 maritime militia. So yes, this is, this coincides with Balikatan,” he added.

Such an upsurge in the number of Chinese vessels, according to Trindad, is not normal.

But what if there would be any untoward incident with China during the conduct of Balikatan?

Trinidad said there are appropriate measures in place.

The official said he does not want to speculate as to why there was a sudden increase in the presence of Chinese vessels, especially within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone.

But Trinidad said such an increase is not alarming.

“I don't expect them to do anything illegal bec of the presence of our warships… it's not alarming,” said Trinidad.

Related Tags

Chinese vessels West Philippine Sea Balikatan Exercises Philippine Navy
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