WPS.News Report: Events in the West Philippine Sea, Scarborough Shoal, Second Thomas Shoal, and South China Sea (January 20-21, 2025)

WPS News Staff Reporter
Baybay City | January 21, 2025

West Philippine Sea:
In a significant move, the Philippine Coast Guard has ramped up surveillance operations concerning a notable presence of a large Chinese coast guard vessel situated in the waters off Zambales (China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5901, dubbed the “monster ship”). The escalation underscores the renewed vigilance of Philippine maritime forces in safeguarding territorial integrity. Furthermore, a joint exercise involving air and naval patrols was conducted by the Philippines and the United States, highlighting their strong commitment to maritime security amid increasing tensions in the region.

Scarborough Shoal:
Recent surveillance reports indicate that a Chinese coast guard vessel actively patrolled Scarborough Shoal before maneuvering towards the northwestern coast. In light of these provocative actions, the Philippine government has lodged a formal diplomatic protest, urging Chinese authorities to exercise restraint and avoid further escalatory measures in these contested waters.

Second Thomas Shoal:
The situation at Second Thomas Shoal remains fraught, with tensions reportedly on the rise. Over the past two years, there have been a series of incidents characterized by harassment and disruption faced by Philippine vessels, attributed to aggressive maneuvers by China’s coast guard. These incidents add to the longstanding maritime disputes in the area, further complicating the diplomatic narrative.

South China Sea:
In a proactive defense initiative, the Philippines, along with its allies Japan and the United States, successfully executed the 5th iteration of a multilateral maritime exercise within the South China Sea. This joint effort was prompted by increasing assertions of territorial claims by China, notably during a recent patrol operation near Scarborough Shoal. Philippine officials have flagged these aggressive actions as severe threats to regional stability.

Quotes by Filipino Officials:

• Philippine Coast Guard Spokesperson: “China’s intimidating actions in these disputed waters represent a clear violation of our sovereign rights and are unacceptable. We will continue to uphold our maritime laws and protect our territorial waters.”
• Defense Secretary: “We remain committed to enhancing our maritime security framework, fostering alliances, and ensuring that our sovereignty is respected in the West Philippine Sea.”

Seismic Activity in the Philippines:

In a concerning development coinciding with rising geopolitical tensions, a magnitude 5.6 earthquake was recorded near Mindoro, Philippines, on January 20, 2025, as reported by the German Research Center for Geosciences. Additionally, a subsequent earthquake of magnitude 5.4 struck Nasugbu in Calabarzon on the same date, reminding the nation of the natural challenges it faces alongside maritime disputes.

Fact Check:

This report is assembled with verified information sourced from reputable news outlets and official government statements to ensure accuracy and verifiability.

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