Forty-five Chinese ships were spotted in various features of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) for the first week of 2026, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Tuesday. In Bajo de Masinloc, there were two People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, three Chinese coast guard (CCG) and three Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) vessels; six CCGs and eight CMMs in Ayungin Shoal; three PLA Navy ships, six CCGs and eight CMMs in Escoda Shoal and four CCGs and two CMMs in Pagasa Island.

Abanilla, I., & Baroña, F. J. C. (2026, January 14). 45 Chinese ships spotted in WPS. The Manila Times, pp. A1, A2.