Philippine military: fewer Chinese warships and militia ships in the South China Sea, more coast guard ships

(Central News Agency reporter Lin Xingjian, Manila, 18th) The Philippine military said today that the number of Chinese warships and maritime militia ships detected in the South China Sea decreased in the first half of the year, but the number of coast guard ships increased. It has determined that the focus of China's operations in the South China Sea may be shifting from military to maritime law enforcement.

Philippine military "West Philippine Sea" spokesman Roy Vincent Trinidad said at a regular press conference today that based on monitoring data in 2025 and the first half of 2026, the number of Chinese warships deployed in the South China Sea has been reduced from 100 to 78, and maritime militia ships have been reduced from 999 to 850.

On the other hand, the number of Chinese coast guard ships increased from 68 to 77, and the number of scientific research vessels also increased from 33 to 44.

Trinidad said that the decrease in the number of Chinese warships and maritime militia vessels and the increase in coast guard ships indicate that China may focus more on "law enforcement functions" this year.

He also mentioned that 16 of China's 44 scientific research vessels have abnormal tracks, indicating that they may conduct investigation and intelligence activities, covering the West Philippine Sea, Bashi Channel, and all the way to Benham Rise.

Trinidad said that these monitoring data can help the Philippines understand changes in China's maritime deployment and serve as a reference for adjusting the deployment of ships and aircraft. At the same time, it will coordinate with the Philippine Coast Guard and Fisheries Bureau to jointly safeguard Philippine sovereignty and sovereign rights.

Asked whether the increase in China's coast guard ships was a cause for concern, Trinidad responded that the relevant changes were expected and therefore would not bother him.

He explained that the Philippine military continues to monitor these figures to understand the direction of China's maritime deployment and then predict how the Philippines needs to deploy its forces in response.