The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) continues its robust presence in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), conducting 54 operations in November alone, as Chinese vessels remain a persistent threat in the area.
Philippine Navy spokesperson for the WPS, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, confirmed that the presence of Chinese maritime militia, the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), and the Chinese Coast Guard remains concerning.
“Their presence is a continuing threat. We have monitored them. We are tracking them. They are an existential threat,” Trinidad said during a press briefing on Tuesday.
Military Activities in WPS
From November 1 to 25, the AFP conducted several operations in the WPS, including:
- 13 sovereignty patrols (MARPAT/SOVPAT)
- One maritime surveillance patrol (MARSUVPAT)
- One search and rescue operation
- One rotation and resupply mission
- 30 maritime air patrols executed by Naval and Air Force aircraft
Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla, AFP spokesperson, emphasized that these missions are part of the military’s mandate to protect Philippine sovereignty.
Increasing Philippine Defense Activities
The Philippine Navy reported a surge in operational activities in the WPS following the launch of the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC) last month.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. introduced the CADC as a strategic initiative to secure the country’s entire territory and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
“In plain language, we are developing our capability to protect and secure our entire territory and EEZ… to ensure that all generations of Filipinos freely reap the bounties of natural resources that are rightfully ours,” Teodoro said.
Ongoing Tensions in the South China Sea
China continues to assert its claim over nearly the entire South China Sea, a key global trade route worth over $3 trillion annually. This includes areas claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.
In 2016, an international arbitration tribunal in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines, declaring China’s claims baseless. However, Beijing has refused to recognize the ruling, escalating tensions in the region.
The AFP, despite China’s presence, remains committed to upholding Philippine sovereignty and ensuring the security of its maritime territories.