China steps up presence in critical areas of WPS

China's projection of power in the West Philippine Sea continues as more of its vessels - including at least one survey ship have been spotted in the past seven days at multiple spots in the area where some 3,000 hectares have been reclaimed and transformed into military bases by the Chinese, the Philippine Navy said yesterday.

- MICHAEL PUNONGBAYAN

Data presented by the Philippine Navy at a press briefing showed 122 Chinese vessels operating unchallenged in Philippine waters in the past week, up from 104 the previous week.

Around Pag-asa Island, a community in Palawan, 37 Chinese vessels of various types were spotted, and 30 more were seen in the vicinity of Rozul (Iroquois) Reef.

From July 30 to Aug. 5, 12 Chinese vessels were also sighted in the area of Escoda (Sabina) Shoal, eight in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, six in Panatag Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc), four each in Julian Felipe Reef and Lawak Island and two in Kota Island.

The Philippine Navy said the foreign vessels include three People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warships, 12 China Coast Guard (CCG) ships and 106 maritime militia vessels (MMVs).

Chinese presence in the West Philippine Sea was at its lowest in recent weeks between July 16 and 22, largely due to bad weather brought by Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon.

At the height of the Balikatan exercises from May 14 to 20, the number of Chinese ships in the West Philippine Sea was reportedly at its highest in recent months at 153.