The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported on Tuesday that at least 260 Chinese vessels, including gray ships, were monitored in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) throughout February, highlighting the continued Chinese presence in the region.

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla disclosed that the vessels included 19 ships operated by the People’s Liberation Army Navy and the China Coast Guard (CCG) in key areas, including Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal), Sabina Shoal, Escoda Shoal, and Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal).

“These areas are critical for the protection of our exclusive economic zone. The persistent and illegal presence of Chinese vessels in the WPS blatantly disregards the 2016 arbitral ruling, which clearly affirmed our sovereignty over these areas,” Padilla said.

In the same press briefing, Navy spokesperson Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad revealed that nine CCG vessels were monitored at Bajo de Masinloc, and seven others were seen at Ayungin Shoal. A total of 260 ships were tracked across various parts of the WPS during the month of February, with particular focus on critical Philippine features.

China, in defense of its maritime activities, reiterated its claim over the South China Sea, asserting its sovereignty and maritime rights. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Wei said China’s presence was based on “historical rights” and was compliant with international law.

He emphasized that the CCG’s patrols and law enforcement activities in the region were“fully justified” under Chinese law.

Guo also called on the Philippines to cease “infringement activities, provocations, and false accusations” that disrupted the peace and stability of the region.

Despite the Philippine government’s persistent protests, China has continued its operations in the South China Sea.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling in 2016 invalidated China’s claim within its so-called nine-dash line and affirmed the Philippines’ exclusive rights in its exclusive economic zone. The ruling, grounded on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, also declared that China had no legal basis to claim nearly the entire South China Sea, which is rich in resources.