The number of Chinese vessels operating in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) increased slightly last week as verbal spat between Filipino and Chinese officials continued, spilling tensions in the contested waters into the diplomatic arena.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said that 55 Chinese vessels were recorded during its week-long monitoring from January 18 to 25, higher than the 41 vessels logged in the first week of the month, from January 1 to 7.

The majority of the vessels were located near Pag-asa (Thitu) Island, including 28 Chinese maritime militia vessels (CMMVs), a People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) warship, and a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel.

In Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough or Panatag Shoal), the AFP monitored five CMMVs, four CCG vessels, and four warships.

There were also five CMMVs and two CCG ships in Escoda Shoal, as well as two CMMVs and three CCG ships in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal.

The presence of Chinese vessels has intensified alongside an escalating war of words between officials in Manila and Beijing, particularly after Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the WPS Commodore Jay Tarriela displayed caricatures depicting Chinese President Xi Jinping during a presentation, which drew criticism from the Chinese government.

The diplomatic exchanges also prompted reactions from senators and members of the House of Representatives, several of whom criticized the Chinese Embassy’s public comments as inappropriate and an affront to Philippine sovereignty.

Lawmakers reiterated their support for frontline agencies such as the AFP and PCG, stressing that defending national territory and upholding the 2016 arbitral ruling is a matter of national interest, not provocation.

But Senator Robin Padilla questioned the PCG why it does not fire back at Chinese vessels shooting water cannon at Philippine vessels in the WPS. "Why don't you buy a stronger water cannon and get back at them [Chinese]?"

In response, Tarriela said that water cannons should not be used to put individuals in danger at sea, but to save lives.

"We recognize the proper use of water cannons, that is to save lives, not to harm others and destroy other nation's ships," Tarriela said.

Amid the heightened rhetoric, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it had made firm representations to Beijing and emphasized that disputes should be addressed through established diplomatic channels and in accordance with international law.

The DFA also underscored that Philippine officials are within their rights to speak on matters affecting national security and the welfare of Filipino fishermen.

For its part, the AFP said it continues to closely monitor foreign vessel activity in the WPS and remains committed to safeguarding the country’s maritime rights.