Over 20 Chinese vessels detected near Philippines' Pag-asa Island in Palawan

More than 20 Chinese ships, including members of the Chinese Maritime Militia and the Chinese Coast Guard, were spotted by the Philippine Coast Guard in the vicinity of Pag-asa Island, Palawan, on Wednesday. The observation comes after the armed forces recorded 101 Chinese vessels, both coast guard and PLA Navy, operating in the West Philippine Sea during September. Authorities said the fleet had been hovering in the island's waters, though several had already departed.

The area, which also includes Escoda Shoal and Bajo de Masinloc, has become a focal point for Chinese maritime activity, highlighted by a recent incident where Chinese coast guard ships blocked Philippine officials from responding to illegal dynamite fishing near Sandy Cay. PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan activated the Coast Guard Auxiliary District in the Kalayaan Island District, emphasizing civilian involvement in safeguarding sovereignty. Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad reiterated the Philippines' resolve to match Chinese patrols ship for ship and correct what he called “wrong narratives.”