cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/46718326

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Nineteen warships of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) were monitored roaming the country’s exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea last month, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported.

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“These monitoring efforts reflect the Navy’s continuous maritime domain awareness, presence operations and commitment to safeguarding territory, sovereignty and sovereign rights,” he said.

“The AFP remains resolute in upholding international law, protecting national interests and sustaining a credible and disciplined presence across all key maritime areas of the archipelago,” he added.

Trinidad noted that the 19 Chinese military vessels were spotted mostly in the vicinity of the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) and Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc.

Regarding Chinese maritime militia vessels, Trinidad said “we do not report them anymore considering that it’s quite a challenge to monitor them.”

He added, “We are still synchronizing our data on their monitored numbers,” referring to China Coast Guard ships.

He also noted issuing radio challenges to Chinese frigates and destroyers but got no responses.

“Their illegal presence, their coercive and aggressive actions, the deceptive messaging have been there for quite some time,” he said.

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Trinidad said more vessels would be added to the Philippine Navy’s assets, including six more offshore patrol vessels, two more landing docks from PT Pal of Indonesia and two more frigates.