The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported monitoring 80 Chinese vessels in key areas of the West Philippine Sea from October 1 to 31, 2026, marking a decrease from the 101 vessels recorded in September. According to AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, the vessels, comprising China Coast Guard and People’s Liberation Army Navy ships, were monitored near Ayungin Shoal, Bajo de Masinloc, Escoda Shoal, and the Pag-asa Islands. The continued presence of Chinese vessels highlights ongoing maritime tensions amid overlapping territorial claims in the South China Sea.