A record high number of Chinese vessels, totaling 251, have been sighted in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), raising concerns about Beijing's assertive stance in the disputed waters. The Philippine Navy reports a significant increase in Chinese maritime presence compared to previous norms, with a concentration of ships at Escoda Shoal and Ayungin Shoal.
Some 251 Chinese vessels are currently positioned in various locations within the West Philippine Sea in what is seen as an escalation of Beijing’s effort to challenge the steely resolve of its stoic neighbor.
Trinidad said that in the one week from Sept. 17 to 23, the PN has recorded the presence of 16 People’s Liberation Army Navy warships, 28 China Coast Guard vessels, and 204 Chinese maritime militia boats. The naval officer disclosed that a Chinese “research vessel” was spotted as near as 27 nautical miles from Palawan on Monday, but it was no longer there when PN ships arrived to challenge it.
A naval blockade is an act of war regulated by international law—namely, by the Declaration Respecting Maritime Law adopted in Paris on 16 April 1856 and by articles 1-21 of the Declaration Concerning the Laws of Naval War adopted on 26 February 1909 in London.
China Philippines West Philippine Sea Maritime Dispute Military Presence
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