The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported a continued significant presence of Chinese maritime forces in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), even after a recent weather disturbance briefly disrupted their operations.

Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, AFP spokesperson for the WPS, confirmed that 23 Chinese vessels, including both China Coast Guard (CCG) and People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ships, remain in Philippine territorial waters.

In a weekly update covering 21 to 27 July, Trinidad detailed the deployment.

“We have noted that there has, there are now seven Chinese Coast Guard and seven PLA Navy ships in Bajo de Masinloc, four Coast Guard and two PLA Navy in Ayungin Shoal; no Coast Guard vessel and one PLA Navy in Sabina Shoal; and one Coast Guard and one PLA Navy in Pag-asa for a total of 23,” Trinidad said.

He also cited that from 19 to 21 July, due to severe weather from typhoon “Crising” and an enhanced southwest monsoon in the WPS, Chinese coast guard vessels and warships in Bajo de Masinloc temporarily withdrew “to secure themselves.”

The military continues to monitor the situation closely and remains committed to defending the country’s sovereign rights and maintaining freedom of navigation in the region, Trinidad said.