West Philippine Sea Activity Report: November 1-30, 2024

Baybay City, Leyte, Philippines — This report summarizes events in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Scarborough Shoal, Second Thomas Shoal, and the South China Sea for the month of November 2024, incorporating information from Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT), social media, government pronouncements, and credible news sources. Weather data for the region is also included.

Weather:

• The prevailing weather condition in the WPS throughout November was the Amihan season (northeast monsoon), characterized by cool and dry winds.
• The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported occasional typhoons passing through the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), but none directly affecting the WPS region.
• Sea state remained generally calm with occasional rough seas brought about by passing weather systems.

Activity Highlights:

• Increased Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) presence: Reports from Vietnamese fishermen and social media posts indicated a continued presence of CCG vessels in the vicinity of the disputed features in the Spratly Islands.
• Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) patrols: The PCG maintained routine patrols within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the WPS. No reports of confrontations or harassment were documented.
• Fishing activities: Filipino fishermen continued limited fishing activities near Scarborough Shoal despite the presence of Chinese vessels. Social media posts showed small-scale fishing operations in the area.
• Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs): No documented FONOPs by the United States or other claimant states were reported within the month.

Specific Incidents:

• November 10: Vietnamese fishermen reported being intercepted and harassed by a CCG vessel while fishing near the Vanguard Bank. The incident was not independently verified.
• November 18: Social media posts circulated showing a group of Filipino fishermen encountering a CCG vessel near the Iroquois Reef. The Filipino fishermen reported no harassment but expressed concerns about the continued presence of Chinese vessels.
• November 25: PCG personnel conducted a maritime security patrol near Pag-asa Island (Thitu Island). No untoward incidents were reported.

Government Statements:

• Philippines: The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reiterated its position on the Philippines’ ownership of the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) and its surrounding waters, including Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal. The DFA also urged continued peaceful resolution of disputes through adherence to international law.
• China: The Chinese embassy in Manila maintained its stance on its historical claims to the entirety of the South China Sea, including areas within the Philippines’ EEZ.

Social Media Trends:

• Filipino netizens continued to express concerns about the presence of Chinese vessels in the WPS.
• Calls for stronger Philippine action to protect its maritime interests remained prevalent online.
• There were also posts highlighting the importance of peaceful solutions and adherence to international law.

Overall Assessment:

The month of November saw a continuation of the trend of Chinese presence in the WPS and Filipino fishermen operating under its shadow. While no major incidents were reported, tensions remain high due to the competing claims in the region. The upcoming holiday season and potential increase in fishing activities could be factors to monitor in the coming month.

Note: This report is based on available information and may not be exhaustive. WPS.News strives to provide accurate and objective reporting based on credible sources.