MANILA, Philippines — The number of Chinese maritime militia vessels in Pagasa (Thitu) Island in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) decreased to 30, according to Philippine Coast Guard Spokesperson for WPS Commodore Jay Tarriela on Saturday.

One of the images taken by Maxar Technologies on Monday and reviewed by Reuters shows about 60 vessels, some within 2 nautical miles of Thitu, a strategically important island from which Manila monitors Chinese vessels and aircraft in the busy waterway.

At least 83 Chinese militia and fishing vessels were monitored in Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Wednesday, an expert monitoring the presence of Chinese ships in the area said. "Marine Traffic confirms at least 83 China militia & fishing ships within Philippines Thitu (Pag-Asa) Island's territorial sea right now,

An “extraordinarily large” fleet of Chinese ships were spotted inside the territorial sea of Pagasa Island, a West PH Sea monitor said.

A LARGE-SCALE presence of Chinese vessels, including an aircraft carrier, was observed near Pag-asa (Thitu) Island, a key Philippine-held territory in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). This development,