THE presence of Chinese maritime forces in the vicinity of Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal has significantly lessened due to recent weather disturbances, the Philippine Navy reported Tuesday.

​“Our latest monitoring is as of 7 September. The numbers have decreased compared to the previous weeks, seven total, seven for the maritime militia and two for the Chinese coast guard,” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said.

Fewer Chinese ships seen in Ayungin Shoal

?The AFP, meanwhile, remained mum on the latest rotation and reprovisioning mission to BRP Sierra Madre, the Philippine Navy?s outpost in the disputed shoal.

?The AFP deferred to the Department of Foreign Affairs to comment on the reported presence of two US destroyers that passed by the area.

?We are only aware of activities such as the MCA (Maritime Cooperative Activity) that involved these navies,? Trinidad said.

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​The AFP, meanwhile, remained mum on the latest rotation and reprovisioning mission to BRP Sierra Madre, the Philippine Navy’s outpost in the disputed shoal.

​The AFP deferred to the Department of Foreign Affairs to comment on the reported presence of two US destroyers that passed by the area.

“We are only aware of activities such as the MCA (Maritime Cooperative Activity) that involved these navies,” Trinidad said.

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